Social Process Theories Social Learning Theory Social Control Theory Labeling Theory

Social Process These are MICRO theories Need both micro and macro for a “complete” explanation of crime Process = individual interacting with social units or agencies over time

Social Learning Theory Edwin Sutherland Differential Association Albert Bandura Akers (With Burgess) Differential Reinforcement Social Learning Theory Gerald Patterson Social Interactional Theory

Edwin Sutherland Answer? “Differential Association” Degree in Sociology from the University of Chicago (1913) Faculty member (1930-1935) Chicago School question: how are delinquent cultures “transmitted” across generations? Answer? “Differential Association” Published and revised in his textbook from 1934-1947

Differential Association Criminal Behavior is learned Negatively, this means it is not “invented” Communication within intimate groups Learning involves techniques and attitudes Attitudes expresses as “definitions of the situation” A person becomes delinquent because of an “excess of definitions favorable to law violation” The process involves the same learning process as all other behavior

Differential Association This is a GENERAL theory Explains “white collar crimes” as well as “street crimes” Very abstract and vague What are “definitions?” What are the mechanics of learning?

Albert Bandura Social Learning Theory (1973) Pulled together principles of learning Classical conditioning Operant conditioning Vicarious learning

Ronald Akers Brought differential association in line with psychological principles of learning Differential Reinforcement theory Now, “Social Learning Theory” Central Concepts Differential Association Attitudes Toward Crime Reinforcement Imitation (role modeling)

Testing Social Learning Surveys: Theory tested with 2 variables Exposure to Deviant Peers Attitudes Favorable Towards Crime Variables consistently predict deviance, but causal order is questionable

Testing Social Learning II Experimental Studies Don Andrews (1980) group therapy experiments Token Economies “Cognitive/Behavioral Programs” Skills Training Reduce “Criminal Thinking Errors”

Criticisms of Social Learning and Differential Association Where do initial “definitions” or “techniques” come from? Assumption about human nature Causal ordering is backwards

Policy Implications If crime is learned, it can be “unlearned” Token Economy Role modeling Eliminate “rationalizations,” or “criminal thinking errors” Learn pro-social (competing) behaviors Training parent’s (Patterson) Behavior contracts

Gerald Patterson Social Interactional Theory Focus on the Early Childhood Effective Parents: Monitor/Supervise their child’s behavior Recognize deviant acts Consistently Use Rewards and Punishment, and Role Model Positive Behaviors Ineffective Parents: Natter, harsh and inconsistent punishment...

Patterson’s Social Interactional Theory Parental Efficacy Supervise Recognize Punish/reward consistently Parenting Context SES Grandparent’s skill in parenting Single parents Difficult child Child’s Antisocial Behavior