Questions and Answers
What do social process theories view criminality as a function of?
What is improper socialization?
A key component of crime.
What does social learning theory suggest?
How can parental efficacy affect crime rates?
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What is the relationship between church attendance and crime rates?
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What is differential association theory?
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What are the principles of control theory?
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What does labeling theory suggest about criminality?
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How do labels affect labeled individuals?
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How are social process theories linked to crime prevention?
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Study Notes
Social Process Theories
- Criminality arises from interactions with various societal organizations and institutions, highlighting the role of socialization.
- Improper socialization is a critical factor contributing to criminal behavior.
Differences Between Theoretical Approaches
- Social learning theory posits that criminal behavior is learned similarly to conventional behavior through social interactions.
- Social control theory examines societal failures to prevent criminal tendencies, suggesting that social bonds deter crime.
- Social reaction (labeling) theory argues that negative labels can lead to enduring criminal careers.
Family and Education Impact on Crime
- Children from troubled families are more likely to engage in criminal behavior.
- Parental efficacy plays a significant role in reducing crime rates among youth.
- Factors such as divorce, school failure, and dropping out contribute to increased delinquency.
- Issues like school violence exacerbate the risk of criminal involvement.
Peers and Delinquency
- Association with delinquent peers reinforces individual offending behaviors.
- Delinquent friends can diminish the fear of punishment for crimes.
- Higher exposure to delinquent peers correlates with an increased likelihood of engaging in criminal acts.
Beliefs and Criminality
- Individuals with strong moral convictions are better equipped to resist criminal impulses.
- Attendance at religious services is inversely related to crime, suggesting that increased participation in faith-based activities reduces antisocial behaviors.
Main Types of Social Learning Theory
- Differential association theory, introduced by Edwin Sutherland, asserts that criminality results from perceiving more definitions in favor of crime than against it.
- Neutralization theory, founded by Gresham Sykes and David Matza, explains how youths develop mental strategies to overcome societal norms and drift into delinquency.
Principles of Control Theory
- Control theory emphasizes that while everyone has the potential for criminal behavior, social bonds to conventional society help prevent law violations.
- Travis Hirschi's social control theory identifies four key elements of social bonds: attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief.
Social Reaction or Labeling Theory
- Labeling theory suggests that criminality is exacerbated by the negative labels assigned by significant others in one's life.
Effects of Labeling
- Labels create societal expectations, leading labeled individuals to conform to specific behaviors, resulting in increased scrutiny.
- Edwin Lemert categorizes deviance into primary and secondary forms, where primary deviants retain an untainted identity while those who accept labels engage in secondary deviance.
Social Process Theory and Crime Prevention
- Social process theories inform treatment approaches and community action policies aimed at crime prevention.
- Programs focus on teaching conventional attitudes, behaviors, and enhancing social bonds with parents and teachers.
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Description
Test your knowledge on social process theories in criminology with this flashcard quiz. Explore key concepts related to socialization and the differences between social learning, control, and reaction theories. Perfect for preparing for your final exam in criminology!
