Social Theories II: Process and Social Development PDF

Social Theories II: Process and Social Development: It’s What We Learn Especially if we enjoy the chronic with dad!  The Social Process Perspective n Social process theories (Interactionist perspective) depend on the process of interaction between individuals and society n Key typ...

Social Theories II: Process and Social Development: It’s What We Learn Especially if we enjoy the chronic with dad!  The Social Process Perspective n Social process theories (Interactionist perspective) depend on the process of interaction between individuals and society n Key types n Differential Association n Differential Reinforcement n Neutralization n Social Reaction/Labeling theory Criminology: A Brief Introduction © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Frank J. Schmalleger Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. All Rights Reserved. 2  Differential Association n Edwin Sutherland n Crime is learned through a process of differential association with others who communicate criminal values and advocate the commission of crimes n Suggests crime is not substantially different from other forms of behavior n We learn to be good or bad! n Akers: Learning + Technique + Reinforcement Criminology: A Brief Introduction © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Frank J. Schmalleger Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. All Rights Reserved. 3  Key Principles of Differential Association n Criminal behavior is learned n Criminal behavior is learned in interaction with other persons in a process of communication n The principal part of the learning of criminal behavior occurs within intimate personal groups n Learning includes techniques of committing the crime n Differential associations may vary in frequency, duration, priority, and intensity Criminology: A Brief Introduction © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Frank J. Schmalleger Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. All Rights Reserved. 4  Differential Reinforcement n Rewards and Punishments n Positive (direct reward for behavior) and negative (aversive stimuli removed) Criminology: A Brief Introduction © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Frank J. Schmalleger Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. All Rights Reserved. 5  Neutralization Theory Techniques: Deny responsibility Denying injury Deny the victim Condemn the condemners Appeal to higher loyalty Criminology: A Brief Introduction © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Frank J. Schmalleger Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. All Rights Reserved. 6  Social Control/Bond Theories n Seek identifying factors that keep people from committing crimes n You and me v. TJ Wiggins n 230 felony charges, 15 convictions and two stints in state prison. He was out on bond for an arrest where he allegedly broke another man's arm with a crowbar, n Focus on the process through which social integration develops n Asks why people obey the law instead of committing crime n What makes us part of the 94%? n Commitment to conformity “I’m going places” © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Criminology: A Brief Introduction Frank J. Schmalleger Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. All Rights Reserved. 7  Social Bond Theory n Travis Hirschi n Through successful socialization, a bond forms between individuals and the social group n When the bond is weakened or broken, deviance and crime may result Criminology: A Brief Introduction © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Frank J. Schmalleger Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. All Rights Reserved. 8  Components of the Social Bond n Attachment: n Involvement: A person’s shared interests The amount of time spent with others with others in shared “I value your opinion of activities me.” “Can’t commit crime if I’m mom and dad busy all the time.” Boy/girl scouts n Commitment: The amount of energy and n Belief: effort put into activities with A shared value and moral others system Stay in school! Moral Filter Social capital “I agree, stealing is wrong.” “Don’t throw it all away!” Criminology: A Brief Introduction © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Frank J. Schmalleger Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. All Rights Reserved. 9  General Theory of Crime n Hirschi and Gottfredson (1990): n We want to be deviant (impulsive) but learn self-control. n Offenders have little self-control over their own desires n A well-developed social bond will create effective self-control mechanisms n Self-control (marshmallow) & Social Bond=conventional behavior Criminology: A Brief Introduction © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Frank J. Schmalleger Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. All Rights Reserved. 10  Social Reaction/Labeling Theory n Society’s response to offenders may contribute to increased criminality by reducing the behavioral options available to labeled offenders n Tagging: n Individual is negatively defined by agencies of justice n Once defined as “bad”: n lack legitimate opportunities, can only associate with others “bads” Don’t mess with Prison Mike! Criminology: A Brief Introduction © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Frank J. Schmalleger Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. All Rights Reserved. 11  Labeling Theory’s Concerns n the definition of deviance n discrimination in the application of official labeling and sanctions (1:100) n the effect of labeling on continued criminality (association with other criminals) Criminology: A Brief Introduction © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Frank J. Schmalleger Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. All Rights Reserved. 12  Policy Implications of Social Process Theories n Comprehensive Strategy Program (OJJDP) n Targeted Outreach Program (Boys and Girls Clubs of America) n Diversion Programs n You have judicial board, why not a kid from the projects? n Avoid police contact, arrest, jail and stigmas n Peacemaking Criminology Criminology: A Brief Introduction © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Frank J. Schmalleger Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. All Rights Reserved. 13