Final answer:
The General Theory of Crime posits that low self-control is the main latent trait leading to criminal careers, differing from theories focusing on social learning or the strength of societal bonds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is about the General Theory of Crime, which assumes that a key latent trait responsible for a criminal career is low self-control. According to this theory, individuals with low self-control are more inclined towards criminal activity due to their tendency to pursue short-term gratification without considering long-term consequences. This concept is contrasted with other sociological theories such as Sutherland's Differential Association, which suggests that crime is learned through association with others, and Control Theory by Travis Hirschi, which postulates that social bonds and their strength affect the likelihood of deviance.
Control Theory also highlights four types of social bonds: attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief, which play a role in conforming to society's norms and preventing crime. Other noteworthy theories include Social Disorganization Theory and Geographic Profiling, which analyze crime trends and patterns based on neighborhood conditions and spatial behavior respectively.