Charles R. Tittle

Charles R. Tittle was an American sociologist and criminologist renowned for his theoretical rigor and contributions to quantitative criminology. He held academic positions at several universities, including Washington State University and the University of North Carolina. Tittle is best known for his development of Control Balance Theory, which synthesizes elements of control, opportunity, and motivation to explain deviant behavior.

Tittle’s most influential work, Control Balance: Toward a General Theory of Deviance (1995), introduced the Control Balance Theory, which posits that deviance results from an imbalance between the amount of control individuals are subjected to and the amount of control they can exercise over others. When this balance is either deficient or excessive, individuals are more likely to engage in different forms of deviance—ranging from predation and defiance to submission and escapism. The theory combines elements of control theory, strain theory, and rational choice, offering a broad explanatory framework for understanding a variety of deviant behaviors. Tittle’s work is marked by its theoretical integration and empirical testing, making him a central figure in contemporary criminological theory.

Interview

This video interview was conducted as part of the Oral History of Criminology Project. In this conversation, Charles R. Tittle reflects on his extensive contributions to criminological theory, particularly the development of control balance theory, and shares insights from his long academic career.