Strain theory (anomie theory) and deviant subculture theory are both motivational theory in the sense that both theories focus on the formation of motivation (or inclination) toward deviance in explaining the causes of deviant behaviors. In contrast, control theory, which has been developed as control theory of delinquency by Briar and Pilliavin, and Hirschi, and as deterrence theory by Tittle and Gibbs, among others, explains deviant behaviors by the lack of control. An individual's internal control over his inclinations toward deviance can be conceptualled as his normative reference relationships with others. Employing Kelman's typology of interpersonal influence, Schmitt presents three types of normative reference relationships: compliance normative reference relationship, identification normative reference relationship, and internalization normative reference relationship. All three types of relationships are relevant to the explanations of an individual's internal control process. Compliance occurs when an individual percieves other's possible rewards and sanctions (punishments) significant and conforms to others' normative opinions. Identification occurs when he percieves a "self-defining" relationship with others as desirable and accepts other's normative opinions. Internalization occurs when he integrates other's normative opinions into his own value system. This paper describes internal control mechanism and contingencies of the control for each type of the relationships. Then, the basic proposition of control theory is refotmulated as follows: the more (any or all types) of normative reference relationships an individual has with others, and the larger the strength of the relationship(s) is, the less he is likely to deviate from the others' behavioral standards. Finally, the paper briefly discusses cultural and socio-structural factors which influence the formation and maintenance of the three types of control, and, also presents an attempt to apply the typology of the control to differential association theory.
