Walter C. Reckless, Criminology

Walter Reckless (1899-1988), professor emeritus of sociology at Ohio State, was well known for his containment theory, which focused on what stops people from engaging in crime—or rather, what “contains” people. This containment theory consists of inner self controls and outer social controls, such as a personal sense of right and wrong to others who influence the individual that may hinder an individual from committing a crime.

Reckless’ studies helped paved way to later theories of control to help shape the field of criminology. To recognize his accomplishments in research and theory, Reckless received the Edwin H. Sutherland Award from the American Society of Criminology in 1963.