Comparison Of Social Learning Theory And Hirschi's Social Bonding Theory

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The two theories that are being analyzed in this paper are Ronald Akers’ Social Learning Theory and Travis Hirschi’s Social Bonding Theory. Hirschi's social bonding theory is one of many control theories which all take on the task of explaining the core cause of crime; however, this particular theory seems to be the most popular and able to stand the test of time. The Social Bond theory contains four elements that explain what criminals lack that causes them to be more prone to illegal activity, these elements are attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief. On the other end of the spectrum is Akers’ Social Learning Theory, which attempts to explain the correlation between and individual's social environment and their behavior depending on what is praised or punished in an individual's specific social organization. (Walsh & Hemmens) In order to adequately compare and contrast both theories, a deeper insight must be gained through a thorough analysis of …show more content…

In 1969 Hirschi started his analysis of the typical criminal who he found to have the following characteristics; they were usually young males, lacked a father or strong male presence in their home, lived in impoverished areas, had continuous difficulties in school, and most were unemployed (Walsh & Hemmens). From these details, Hirschi concluded that individuals most likely to commit crimes also have three more characteristics, which are not being socially inclined by the expectations of others, having free time to commit such acts, doesn’t have much to lose if caught (except freedom), and a general undermining of the moral perspective behind most laws, especially ones they are breaking. Hirschi went even further and deduced the four elements by stating that the individuals committing crimes lack these elements associated with “prosocial” behavior. The first

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