Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc The Meaning of Crime: Social Process Perspective Chapter 9

Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc The Social Process Perspective Emphasizes the interaction between individuals and society. Criminal behaviour is learned through interaction with others.

Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc Types of Social Process Theories ► Social learning theory ► Labelling theory ► Reintegrative shaming ► Social control theory ► Social development theories

Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc Social Learning Theory Criminal behaviour is a learned behaviour. ► Differential Association ► Neutralization Techniques

Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc Differential Association Edwin Sutherland Criminality is learned through association with other criminals. Nine principles of differential association.

Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc Neutralization Techniques ► Denial of responsibility ► Denial of injury ► Denial of the victim ► Condemning the condemners ► An appeal to higher loyalties

Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc Labelling Theory ► Based on studies of societal reactions to deviance. ► Labels the offender  Primary deviance  Secondary deviance ► The process fosters a continued perception of the offender as a criminal.

Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc Reintegrative Shaming Two kinds of shaming: 1.Stigmatic shaming 2.Reintegrative shaming

Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc Social Control Theories Downplay causative factors in criminal behaviour. Ask why people obey rules rather than break them. ► Containment Theory ► Social Bond Theory

Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc Containment Theory Containment 1.External containment 2.Inner containment

Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc Social Bond Theory Four components of the social bond: 1.Attachment 2.Commitment 3.Involvement 4.Belief

Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc Social Development Theories Recognize criminogenic influences as having their greatest impact during early stages of life. Formative childhood experiences are catalysts in shaping children for the rest of their lives.

Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc Policy Implications of Social Process Theories Include initiatives that:  seek to reduce the stigmatization of offenders  seek to teach conventional values by providing opportunities for individuals (and especially youth) to associate with others who hold these values