Control Balance Theory of Deviance

Abstract

Developed in 1995 and refined in 2004, control balance theory seeks to explain and predict the cause of deviant acts. Integrating components of existing theories with novel sociological thought, the theory proposes deviance as one response to acute awareness of control imbalance. More specifically, the theory hypothesizes that perceived control ratio imbalances may produce feelings of disrespect or humiliation thus promoting contemplations of how to extend control of people, events, and circumstances without stimulating counter control. Certain desirable acts, including acts of deviance, are enacted in an attempt to relieve the negative emotions associated with control imbalance while also minimizing the potential for retaliation or other forms of resistance. In this chapter, we review the basic theory of control balance. Following, we answer ten inquiries frequently asked about the theory, including questions about control ratios and control balance desirability, self-control’s relation to control ratios, the subjectivity of provocations, the process of control balancing, beliefs about human rationality and desire for control, the reciprocal nature of control, the role of revenge, and the empirical standing of the theory.