Reckless believed, criminal behavior could be strongly redirected internally or externally with taking different avenues to redirect delinquent acts. Although people during Reckless's time agreed, theorist believed there were many flaws with the theory. The theory suggested that if individual identified with positive self-image, this will help the individual to avoid committing deviant behaviors. This does not account for individuals who have sudden urges for committing criminal acts due to their circumstances. Other theorist stated that this theory also does not help to explain that some individuals use committing crimes as a way to boost their ego while having positive self-image. Containment theory also did not explain how the youth that did not have strong outer containments such as parents or role models were able to avoid the stereotype. Finally, many theorists believed that the theory was too vague and unable to be tested. .
Another social control theorist that attempted to observe the societal issues and the effects of crime was Travis Hirschi. Hirshi associated the inception of criminality to the constant weakened bonds people have with society. He inferred that all people were probably law violators, but most people only control this impulse because they worry that criminal behavior will destroy their relationships with other relatives, teachers, neighbors, and employers. With the absence of these social attachment bonds, a person will freely commit delinquent acts. Regardless of religious, economic, racial, or ethnic background, people who fail to have a strong bond with society are susceptible to criminogenic behaviors. Hirschi believed that a person's social bond maintained with society is divided into the elements attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief. Although Hirschi's theory could be tested other theorist argued that Hirschi did not completely explain how the different bonds were interdependent.
