...Social Learning Theory (Week 2: Assignment) The Social Learning Theory (Week 2 Assignment) There are several theories that have been developed in order for man to explain social development and the social concepts created by these developments. The many different theories that “explain how people become socialized, including the psychoanalytic theory, the functionalism theory, the conflict theory, and the symbolic interaction theory look at the individual learning process of man” (Vissing, 2011). They dive into the formation of one’s self, and they explain how the influence of society within socialization affects individuals. The social learning theory is one of these theories that attempt to explain the details of socialization and the effects of one’s own development. The social learning theory has been noted and acknowledged within the psychology community for some time now and was greatly shaped by psychologist, Albert Bandura. Overall, the social learning theory has several aspects and elements that make it a formidable and studied theory by many psychologists and it is used by many while attempting to explain how exactly people become socialized. To begin with, the social learning theory takes in to account the formation of one’s identity. The identity is considered to be a learned response to social encounters. The theory “emphasizes the societal context of socialization rather than the individual mind” (Anderson, 2009) and it “postulates that an individual’s identity...
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...serious crime. Juveniles commit this crime for many different reasons. Social influence plays a big part in why most juvenile commit the crime of shoplifting or also knows as stealing. Influence from peers can become overwhelming to where a person feels as if they have to steal to feel accepted. Economic reasons can also cause a juvenile to shoplift. Families today are struggling and juveniles don’t understand that their parents just don’t have the money for the certain things that they want. This often leads them to shoplift so that they can have the items like their peers have. There are also psychological influences that play a part in juvenile shoplifting. There is a disorder called Kleptomania, which causes the juvenile to shoplift. Shoplifting can become an addiction and this causes the person to commit the crime more often so that they can receive the rush. There are many factors why juveniles commit the crime of shoplifting. Juvenile Shoplifting Juveniles today are under more pressure than ever. The pressure to fit in and to be accepted among their peers is very important. This causes many juveniles to commit the crime of shoplifting. What are the common reasons that juveniles shoplift? Social influence can cause a juvenile to shoplift so that they feel accepted or to get attention from their family and friends. Negative influence from peers is a major part of why juveniles commit this crime. When a person hits the adolescent age the influence of their...
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...Theories on Crime Comparison Frank Canini AJS/542 Criminological Theory Angela Dudley April 13, 2015 Many experts will argue that behavior and personality traits contribute to criminal behavior. Theories exist that provide sufficient evidence of these arguments, leading criminal justice professionals to seek alternative methods to preventing crime other than implementing harsh prison sentences. As we begin to understand the relationship between personality and criminal behavior, we begin developing rehabilitation programs intended to treat the underlying psychological issues that motivate people to commit certain crimes. By rehabilitating these individuals without incarceration, we can help keep prison populations down while benefitting society by allowing rehabilitated criminals to integrate back into their communities. Theories exist that can provide evidence linking behavioral traits to criminal behavior. Experts believe there biological, sociobiological, and psychological traits that contribute to the criminal behavior of an individual. Studies show that even all three traits combine to create a cocktail that leads to dishonest and unethical acts that can be defined as crime. As we examine these behavioral traits our focus will be on the psychological aspects of criminal behavior. Psychological behavior can be classified as conduct disorder that is usually identified in early childhood. These psychological disorders act as a precursor to possible criminal...
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...Social Organized Crime Perspective CJA/325 October 20, 2015 Larry Doyle Social Organized Crime Perspective Introduction The term social institution as it pertains to organized crime is a fascinating one. Here not only will it be explained but also how it is applied. Along with the theories that are most applicably applied to organized crime and behavior. These issues will help to dissect the reasoning and uses behind some the best known crime families. Social Organized Crime Perspective Organized crime throughout American history has seem to have a type of social institution embedded into its culture. Keep in mind it started out as a cultural advantage in parts of America. As America grew by immigrants flooding into its various coastlines and ports there were very little assimilations into the new world. Most people who came looking for better opportunities and escape religious or political persecution. Often they found it hard to find work in areas of the city that were not being developed by their own ethnicity. Immigrants came from Northern and Western Europe in the early 1890’s. As the 1900’s rolled around America saw more immigrants coming from Canada, Latin America as well as Eastern and Southern Europe (EyeWitnesstohistory, 2000). Since there were a lot of immigrants from all over coming to America it meant there were a lot different languages spoken. Many different cultures and multiple ethnicities missing their homeland and loved ones. People came to find...
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...Criminological Theories of Crime Causation: Biological, Sociological, and Psychological Carrie Siewert, CJ499 Kaplan University Author Note October 5, 2015 Criminological Theories of Crime Causation: Biological, Sociological, and Psychological For centuries, documentation of criminal cases filled the inboxes of the numerous police officers’, investigators’, and forensic laboratory analysists’ exceeding the limits of caseloads possible for any given criminal justice professional responsible for solving criminal cases. Each giving everything they have to catch the guilty and thus, providing justice to the victims who suffered because of someone’s criminal behaviors and actions. Each with the same or similar inquiries; why do people commit the crimes they commit? Why do they behave this way? What is their purpose? Were the born this way? What, if anything, happen to them to make them behave in such a heinous manner? Are they a victim of their own environment and/or social status? Of course, these inquiries cover only a minute number of possible indications as to answering the “Why?” people commit these criminal behaviors and actions. Criminology identifies ascertains three amalgamations of theories, each of which attempt to justify inquiries by working exuberantly to establish a high level of credibility and reliability; the following will address how these biological, sociological, and psychological theories of crime causation affect human behavior and/or actions. ...
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...families or is triggered by various external factors in an individual’s environment has influenced and inspired an abundance of both criminological and psychological research. Many replicable studies have been conducted in an attempt to establish the core source of deviant and/or criminal actions , and whether such actions are to be attributed to genetics, or to one’s environment , nature or nurture. This paper shall seek to establish, where possible , the route to criminal behaviour and evaluate potential factors that could influence an individual to become delinquent . Gottfredson & Hirschi (1990) set forth a general theory of crime that identified low self-control as the main causal factor. Their theory also proposed the notion that parents play the decisive role in either nurturing or thwarting the development of self-control – dependant on the parent’s ability to monitor and supervise a child’s behaviour and respond appropriately to anti-social behaviour. They claim that parents are the sole contributors to the cause of low self-control and therefore they reject potential genetic contributions in their theory . Their theory illustrates that criminal behaviour is simply caused by one’s parental socialization and upbringing, not by inherent genes . This concept is seemingly simplistic given that various other research suggests that there is empirical evidence for inherited genes having a pivotal role in determining an individual’s behaviour. Wright & Beaver (2005)...
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...relating to crime. First, the American Dream is based upon the desperate craving for richness. Being rich and famous may be a fantasy of many but in our society there are people that will go to drastic measures to ensure that it becomes a reality. This is where the economy plays a role in criminal behavior. People tend to want that which they don't have and are on a constant pursuit to attain the American Dream. Poverty is one example in which this desire for money and survival can lead to crime. For example, a bum on the streets of Brooklyn, living in a cardboard box and currently unemployed may resort to stealing in order to survive. He may steal food for nutrition, clothing for warmth, and money for personal pleasure. The criminal behavior in which he took part in gave him instant pleasure and comfort. In this case the immediate effects outweigh the consequences of the crime. It was the best thing the though he could do to guarantee his survival. The rich on the other hand may not need to resort to these measures to fulfill their so-called " American Dream" because it is a reality. This shows how the lower-class system may make the poor more prone and vulnerable to crime. It is highly apparent that certain societies and social groups are faced with situations that may prove to be conducive elements towards crime. Gangs and crime are bred in large cities. People who have a tendency to get in trouble may easily be dragged into the world of crime. The second...
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...disordered are at greater risk for committing crimes, than the average person, they are few in number and thus their crimes constitute only a very small proportion of all crimes committed. The mentally ill most at risk for committing violent acts are the homeless, those who use alcohol and other drugs, and those who do not take their medications.” Chapter 10 Minds and Crimes: Alcohol, Drugs & Mental Illness”, n.d). (pp. 33-34) Individuals living in poverty often find it hard to deal with life on a regular basis, many will choose to steal or do drugs, which can lead to them committing other crimes. Some people see committing crimes as their only option to make a living so they turn to a life of crime. People commit criminal acts because they either have a mental illness or the environment in which they were raised. Due to family tension anyone can go as far as committing crime no matter what. Most of us have criminalistics tendencies at certain times. A child, particularly, living in a family where the emotional tension is acute as well as continuous, will become sensitized to crime. The person remembers their painful memories about their childhood memories that will result in aggression. When their conscience hasn’t been sufficiently developed they can commit a crime under pressure of certain factors. When emotional tension in the family is present in an unhealthy lifestyle it’s a breeding ground for crime. With emotional relationship between parents...
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...Name Course Tutor Date Drug, Alcohol, and Crime Introduction Alcohol refers to an intoxication ingredient that’s found in wine, beer, and liquor while a drug relates to any substance apart from food that if smoked, inhaled, injected, consumed or is dissolved under the tongue it results in a physiological change of the body. The combination of the two might lead in a crime which is can be denoted as unlawful practices that are punishable by the law. Alcohol and drugs contribute much to the high rate of the offence in most societies though considering other risk factors such as child exposure to violence and mental or biological health. The risk factors aside research have examined alcohol and drug abuse to be the major contributor to crime. The relationship of narcotics to crime is quite complex and yet controversial; the puzzling question is whether people who use drugs are already crime oriented or is there a direct connection between drugs and alcohol consumption to criminal activities. Taking a case study of the Australian community it has been documented that the estimated cost of alcohol and drug-related crime range from $1.96 billion to over $4 billion. The statistics are quite the same to every as alcohol and drugs prove to be the biggest ingredient to spark up the crime. Through observational study, it has been identified that illegal drug users who engage in intensive drug use are bound to amplify and take part in pre-existing criminal activities. This has sensitized...
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...increases. The major factors contributing to juvenile delinquency are individual factors, social factors, and community factors. Many people have tried to figure out and understand the factors that lead our youths to commit crimes and what can we do to prevent and rehabilitate them to keep them from committing these crimes again. Juvenile delinquency is one of the most important issues around the world today. Despite the social awareness surrounding the topic, juvenile delinquency is on the rise and needs to be addressed in order to stop our youth from becoming criminals instead of important members of society. There have been many efforts to understand and analyze the reasons that juveniles commit crimes however there is no set reason, but rather several reasons that can lead a youth to commit crimes. Recent research shows that violence among juveniles is rising rapidly and shows that more than 60% of youths will have either been a victim or will have committed a crime sometime during their youth years (Garza, 2011). Research has also stated that the crime rate among juveniles has increases rapidly since the 1980’s and in 2009 youths were responsible for more than 2 million violent crimes in the United States (Garza, 2011). At the same time however, justice systems are quick to distribute punishment to the youths in order to control the youth population and their increasing crime rates. These tactics however are proven to be inefficient as punishment may lead to further...
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...Lauralee Candelario Professor Lawrie Criminology April 13, 2016 The social learning branch of social process theory suggests that people learn criminal behavior much as they learn conventional behavior. If an individual were to grow up in an environment that fostered the pursuit of academic interests, this intellect trait would have the ability for increased expression rather than if the individual were in an environment that placed little value on learning. This can in turn relate to criminal behavior and social deviance. Various developmental and sociological factors play a role in an individual’s inclination towards exhibiting criminal behavior. One of the most important environmental factors during childhood development is that of socialization or the way a child is taught how to act. Children learn to merely obey the rules of their society. Certain actions are repeated because of directly correlated consequences. A child does not intuitively know that stealing is wrong; they have to be taught through negative consequences that this behavior is not acceptable. They then internalize these rules and eventually believe them to be fundamentally correct. Socialization refers to the developmental period where the ideals of morality and socially acceptable behavior are instilled in a child. If a child is consistently taught how to act through both positive and negative reinforcement, the child will begin to exhibit certain characteristics because they...
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... Social Learning Theory Name of Student Institution affiliation In the society, there are social happening that influence relationships among people as they interact and work together to achieve certain goals. Crime is an issue that affects a society in many ways and many attempts to deduce the root causes and ways to alleviate it have come up. Some theories have come up to try to explain how to deal with crimes in the society. In criminal justice, there are theories that explain crime and factors that influence its occurrence with a certain social context. The social learning theory explains that a person acquires knowledge through observation and interactions which models the behavior. The theory proposes that the behavior of an individual can be shaped through reciprocal interaction between the forces of cognitive, environmental and behavior systems. The understanding of the theory will help in determining its effectiveness in handling events of crimes in the society. Albert Bandura as a way to help in understanding the criminology and give the necessary information in relation to addressing the problems caused by crime advanced the social learning theory. The theory is a combination operant theory of Ronald Akers and Robert Burgess and the theory of differential association by Edwin Southerland. The theory has been discussed by various scholars who needed to test its accuracy in addressing the various causes of crime in the society. Bandura...
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...Bonane, Wini Lhor C. BSCRIM-IV Why do people commit Crime? Crime is an act or omission in violation of public law forbidding or commanding it. Crime occurs every now and then in our society. According to Emile Durkheim, a society is abnormal without the presence of crime. Crime is needed in order for a society to grow. But why do people really commit the crime? What are the factors that affect a person from committing a crime? Some people tend to say that crime exists because of the unending need of a person. Some people do commit crime for survival and some commit because of the influence of several factors. These factors are poverty, peer influence, discontentment, greed and motives. There are several theories that explain why a person commit a crime. Rational choice theory: People generally act in their self-interest and make decisions to commit crime after weighing the potential risks (including getting caught and punished) against the rewards. Social disorganization theory: A person’s physical and social environments are primarily responsible for the behavioral choices that person makes. In particular, a neighborhood that has fraying social structures is more likely to have high crime rates. Such a neighborhood may have poor schools, vacant and vandalized buildings, high unemployment, and a mix of commercial and residential property. Strain theory: Most people have similar aspirations, but they don’t all have the same opportunities or abilities. When people...
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...current offender. Many times, social media is the reason people have skewed perceptions on who is likely to be an offender and who is not. Media’s influence on crime can change what the reality of a criminal looks like to those who are believing everything media says or shows. One example of society being influenced by media is a racial hoax. Furthermore, this is “when someone fabricates a crime and blames it on another person because of his race OR when an actual crime has been committed and the perpetrator falsely blames someone because of his race” (Russell-Brown, K. 1998). Not only does this make it...
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...The term social institution is the group that a person lives or is raised in throughout his or her lives. These institutions could be schools, churches, gangs, sports groups, and so on. These institutions shape and mold who the person becomes later in life. School for example is the shaping factor for the people who attend. The social environment a person grows up in, forces the choices they have and choices make a person who they are. A person who comes from a lower socioeconomic status or environment that is gang and crime ridden has a good chance of becoming part of that institution. Institutions influence who people become and when they come from a good one such as a school or church they have a good chance of having positive influences versus bad ones they would get from crime and gangs. Social institutions can become a way of life especially if they are created around crime, gangs, and drugs. People get involved with these negative institutions and do not know how to get out. It is a way of life for them and knows no other way of living. Social institutions relate to organized crime because a person is a product of his or her environment when exposed to it long enough. An example of this is when a student leaves middle school and enters high school and becomes involved with entire new group of friends. This student will dress differently, talk differently, and behave differently. It completely molds who they are and the choices they make. Social institutions can be positives...
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