Containment Theory Home Containment Theory Containment Theory is an explanation as to why we do not commit crimes. Much of the persons ability to resist crime rests with the person's self esteem. The self esteem comes from a comparison of self concept to the the persons ideal self. If the person has weak internal controls but has strong external controls then such as a law abiding peer group and family then the person will also resist crime. These are limitations on one's ability to succeed in life.
Examples can be poverty, unemployment, lack of school, discrimination.
By following the peer group that participates in crime the person is pulled into crime. .