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Social Process Theories

Delve into Social Process Theories, including Social Learning Theory, Social Control Theory, and Labeling Theory. Learn about key theorists such as Edwin Sutherland and Albert Bandura and their research on criminal behavior learning processes. Discover how these theories explain the transmission of delinquent cultures across generations and the role of social interactions in shaping behavior. Uncover policy implications for crime prevention based on these theories.

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Social Process Theories

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  1. Social Process Theories • Social Learning Theory • Social Control Theory • Labeling Theory

  2. 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

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

  4. Edwin Sutherland • 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

  5. 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

  6. 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?

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

  8. 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)

  9. 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

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

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

  12. 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

  13. 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...

  14. 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

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