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Self-Control Theory and The Office

“That’s What She Said”: Michael Scott and Self-Control Theory

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Theories of Crime Through Popular Culture

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Abstract

Gottfredson and Hirschi’s (1990) self-control theory is perhaps one of the most parsimonious, yet debated, criminological theories. Researchers have applied the theory to several deviant behaviors, and it also addresses the issue of behaviors analogous to crime. Using the Grasmick scale (Grasmick, Tittle, Bursik, & Arneklev, Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 30, 5–29, 1993) with Higgins’ (Criminal Justice and Behavior, 34(2), 157–178, 2007) revisions, this chapter aims to demonstrate specific behaviors that measure individual levels of self-control. Michael Scott of NBC’s The Office often engages in behaviors that reflect the six constructs of the scale: impulsivity, simple tasks, risk-seeking, physical activities, self-control, and temper. Though his actions often led to feelings of frustration, irritation, and anger among his employees, Michael’s hijinks kept viewers enthralled for seven seasons and made the show one of the most iconic in history.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    The Grasmick Scale was then used as a measurement tool in subsequent research studies (e.g., Grasmick et al., 1993), but through quantitative analysis and validity testing, Higgins (2007) found that the original Grasmick scale does not have construct validity and that items 2, 6, 9, 12, 13, 19, 20, and 22 (see Table 10.1) should be omitted from the scale to improve the use of the Grasmick Scale as a measure of self-control.

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Episodes

    Health Care (Season 1, Episode 3)

    • Daniels, G., Kaling, M., Lieberstein, P. (Writers), & Whittingham, K. (Director). (2005). Health Care [Television Series Episode]. In G. Daniels, R. Gervais, H. Klein, S. Merchant, & B. Silverman (Executive Producers), The Office. Los Angeles, CA: National Broadcasting Company.

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    Drug Testing (Season 2, Episode 20)

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    The Convict (Season 3, Episode 9)

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    Fun Run (Season 4, Episode 1)

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    Branch Wars (Season 4, Episode 6)

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    Gossip (Season 6, Episode 1)

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    Murder (Season 6, Episode 10)

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    Nepotism (Season 7, Episode 1)

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    1. Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA, USA

      Sarah E. Daly & Chad Painter

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      Sarah E. Daly

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    Daly, S.E., Painter, C. (2021). Self-Control Theory and The Office. In: Daly, S.E. (eds) Theories of Crime Through Popular Culture. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-54434-8_10

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    • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-54434-8_10

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