Criminology: Why People Commit Crimes

1049 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Factors that influence criminal behavior

There are numerous ideas in the area of criminology that attempt to interpret the causes behind why people commit crimes. Social process idea is one such idea and affirms that criminal actions are taught by viewing criminalistic actions by others (Schmalleger, 2012). The four kinds of Social method theories are Social learning idea, Social command idea, labeling idea, and dramaturgical viewpoint. Throughout this term paper, we will gaze at two of these theories, Social discovering theory and the Social command theory. This essay will converse about the Social method theory's significance to criminology, as well the history of its development.
Social Learning Theory is the progression that happens in the course of watching the punishment of others and by deciding if such activity is important enough to replicate (Wallace, n.d.) Fundamentally, this idea supports that individuals discover by examining others. In the 1930s, the Social discovering idea was evolved by Edwin Sutherland, Robert Burgess, Ronald L. Akers, and Daniel Glaser. This group of theorists evolved the discovering idea by distinguishing examples of criminalistic demeanor and the values that escorted these lawless persons, the way in which they dwelled and broadcast they called differential association (Schmalleger, 2012.) Albert Bandura is another theorist that has aided in the development of the idea. Bandura's work put the focus on reciprocal determinism, which focuses on how a person’s behavior, natural environment, and individual features all reciprocally leverage each other. ("Learning- Theories.com", 2012). Bandura evolved a form that involved the following steps. 1. Attention: In order for an individual to discover, they must be adept to pay vigil...

... middle of paper ...

...progeny. The progeny learns from this interaction that this demeanor is socially agreeable and perhaps even enjoyable. Ultimately, the Social method idea is assistance to the area of criminality that seeks to explain why criminal demeanor happens and why certain individuals consign crimes as are against to others.

Works Cited

Larning-Theories.com. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.learning-theories.com/social- learning-theory-bandura.html Newman, Vanessa. (n.d.). Types of Social Control Theories on Delinquency. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/facts_7920053_types-social-control-theories- delinquency.html Schmalleger, F. (2012). Criminology today: An integrative introduction. (6th ed.). Upper
Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Wallace, J. (n.d.). Theories of Social Learning. Retrieved from
http://www.ehow.com/about_5388048_theories-social-learning.html

Show More
Related

  • Social Learning Theory: Bobo Doll Experiment By Albert Bandura

    167 Words  | 1 Pages

    One example of the “Social Learning Theory” is the Bobo doll experiment conducted by Albert Bandura in 1961. In this experiment children were either exposed to an adult exhibiting aggressive behavior or non-aggressive behavior towards the doll. When it came time for the children to interact with the doll, the children who were exposed to aggressive behavior were more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior (Nolen, n.d.).

    Read More

  • John Wayne Gacy's Social Learning Theory

    1627 Words  | 4 Pages

    Social learning theory was first developed by Robert L. Burgess and Ronald L Akers in 1966 (Social Learning theory, 2016). In 1973, Akers wrote a book entitled Deviant Behaviour: A Social Learning Approach, which discussed Aker’s conception of the social learning theory. He developed social learning theory by extending Sutherland’s theory of differential association (Cochran & Sellers, 2017). Social learning theory is based on the principles of Pavlov’s operant and classical conditioning. Akers believes that crime is like any other social behavior because it is learned through social interaction (Social Learning theory, 2016). Social learning theory states that the probability of an individual committing a crime or engaging in criminal behaviour is increased when they differentially associate with others who commit criminal behavior (Cochran & Sellers, 2017). Social learning theory is classified as a general theory of crime, and has been used to explain many types of criminal behaviour (Social Learning theory, 2016). Furthermore, social learning theory is one of the most tested contemporary theories of crime. There are four fundamental components of social learning theory; differential association, definitions, differential reinforcement and imitation (Social Learning theory,

    Read More

  • Amish: A Culture Worth Learning From

    1844 Words  | 4 Pages

    Social process theory views criminality as a function of people's interactions with organizations institutions and processes in society. Social process theorists believe that children learn to commit crime by interacting with, and modeling the behaviors of others they admire or respect. Social process theory focuses on upbringing and socialization, which stems from parents, peers, or teachers (Siegel, 2011, p. 13-14).

    Read More

  • Criminological Theories

    1966 Words  | 4 Pages

    Many of the traditional criminological theories focused more on biological, psychological and sociological explanations of crime rather than on the cost and benefits of crime. More conservative approaches, including routine actives, lifestyle exposure and opportunity theories have clearly incorporated crime rate patterns as a fundamental part of analyzing the economics of crime. Crime statistics are important for the simple reason that they help put theories into a logical perspective. For example, a prospective home owner may want to look at crime rates in areas of potential occupancy. On a more complex level, it helps law enforcement and legislators create effective crime reduction programs. Furthermore, it also helps these agencies determine if crime prevention programs, that have been in effect, have been successful. There are many factors that influence the rates of crime including socio economic status, geographical location, culture and other lifestyle factors. More specifically, Messner and Blau (1987) used routine activities theory to test the relationship between the indicators of leisure activities and the rate of serious crimes. They discussed two types of leisure actives, the first being a household pastime, which primarily focused on television watching. The second type was a non-household leisure event which was consisted of attendance to sporting events, cinemas, and entertainment districts. The focus of this paper will be to study the effects that substantial amounts of leisure activities have on the offender and the victim. Leisure activities not only make a crime more opportunistic for offenders, it may also provide offenders with motivation to engage in criminal activity. On the other hand, it may also be argue...

    Read More

  • Essay On Criminology

    1444 Words  | 3 Pages

    Criminology is the scientific study of crime and criminals. It is also a study that is constantly changing due to the people in our society, which political, economic and spiritual views of individuals come into consideration. Robert Agnew, an important man to the world of criminology, he was born on December first, in 1953, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Agnew fortunately is still living, and ages sixty years of age. He Attended Rutgers College, a school in New Jersey, where he received his Bachelors of Arts in sociology, although both his Masters and PhD in sociology he obtained in University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Sociology being the study of the functioning of human society. Agnew discovered his passion for teaching after her worked as a teacher’s assistant and served as Associate Editor to Social Forces Journal for a couple years. Agnew started teaching at Emory University, the courses he taught varied from criminology to the introduction of sociology. In addition to teaching, Robert Agnew wrote many books and articles about either criminology or sociology. He was also involved in both field’s sociology and criminology through academics, and contributed to them greatly. Although his best contribution was his development of the general strain theory. A theory in which Agnew elaborated on and decided to adjust his perspective. Having gone through bad experiences in one’s life, can influence in the way that a certain individual thinks, and can lead them towards a life involving crime in their everyday lives.

    Read More

  • Social Learning Theory And Labeling Theory

    770 Words  | 2 Pages

    What are theories of crime? Why are they important? In this paper, will discuss two crime theories. Social learning theory and the labeling theory. We will compare both crime theories. It will also explain how these theories are related to specific crimes. The two theories discussed will also explain the policy implications. Finally, we will address what types of programs can be created to mitigate specific crimes related to the causation theories.

    Read More

  • Albert Desando Social Learning Theory

    2043 Words  | 5 Pages

    Through Social Learning Theory, an individual can be studied based on the behavior acquired by a role model. Verbal conditioning procedures and observation influences the response to an individual’s personality. Environment factors contribute to the Social Learning Theory. Antisocial model is a major contribute to crime, which influences negative characteristics. The Social Leaning Theory has three core social concepts the must be followed: observational learning, intrinsic reinforcement and modeling process.

    Read More

  • Criminological Theories Essay

    859 Words  | 2 Pages

    Sullivan. This proposed that individuals learn values, techniques, attitudes and motives for criminal behaviour through their interactions with others . Believing that group-think can possess a large influence on the behaviour of those around people engaging in criminal behaviour . This theory can easily be associated with Albert Banduras observational learning theory that is based on the importance of social factors in learning . It was believed that the reason people start engaging in criminal behaviour is from the group they are associated with. Both theories highlight the importance of observational learning in the younger age bracket. In the case of the crime previously mentioned the youngest member of the gang of thieves was 11 years old. It can rationally be assumed that an 11 year old child does not possess the knowledge to steal a motor vehicle without the explicit teachings of someone older that does possess this “skill”. This exposure to criminal behaviour normalises wrong doings. The more someone is exposed to anti-social stimuli the more acceptable it becomes in their own social world. While Sullivan’s theory has its strong points it also has its criticisms. This critique stems from the idea of rational thought and individualism. Claiming people are independent thinkers with rational actions and individual motives . However, in Banduras Bobo doll experiment the impressionability of children is highlighted and showed that children exposed to certain behaviour are highly likely to repeat the behaviour themselves. Which would ensure a child being directly taught the adverse behaviour would, in turn, be highly likely to repeatedly engage with the same behaviour

    Read More

  • Biological And Psychological Theories Of Criminology

    1440 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the early ages of criminology explanations for homicidal offending were blamed on supernatural events such as demonic possessions or evil forces. However, in the 18th century there was a major shift in criminology which used science to explain criminal acts. These criminologist were called positivist theorists, and they believed that “human behavior is influenced by biological and psychological factors that are out of their control. ”(K.D74) Behavior in other words are determined by biological and psychological factors which don't allow people to control their criminal activities.

    Read More

  • Comparison Of Routine Activities Theory And Social Learning Theory

    994 Words  | 2 Pages

    Social learning theory argues that individual behavior is shaped through the process of reinforcement and punishment. It argues crime is largely detrmined during childhood as a result to incompetent parenting, and tends to persist thereafter.. Differential reinforcement is defined as the balance of anticipated or actual rewards and punishments that follow or are consequences of behaviors. Social learning theory focuses on four principles: Differential association, differential reinforcement, imitation and definitions. The debt of differential association theory can be seen in these for principal said to affect the individual's probability of committing law violations.

    Read More

  • Feminist Theory Of Poverty

    1369 Words  | 3 Pages

    The approach theorizes that society is constructed of all of the everyday interactions between individuals (Macionis. 2015). Therefore, what an individual constantly learns from others, how they communicate with people, and respond to everything around them, is what makes up society. When studying crime and why it occurs, Symbolic Interaction states that criminal or deviant behavior is typically learned from the people and events around them (Macionis. 2015). It is important to note that this theory is mostly applied to less severe and moderate crimes such as drug use, theft, burglary, etc. rather than extreme violent crimes, such as

    Read More

  • Etiological Theories Of Criminal Behavior

    1588 Words  | 4 Pages

    Etiology theories for the criminal behavior As listed above there are many theories that scholars believe may be the caused for this criminal behavior. As stated above, when treating sex offenders, many psychologists do not focus on the criminal act itself, but rather the risk factors and theories that may have caused this criminal behavior. The primarily focus of the treatment is to identify the sexual deviant patterns and behaviors of the offender (CSOM, n.d.). Some of these factors and theories are attachment, sociocultural, behavioral, and biological.

    Read More

  • How Do Criminologists Understand Crime And Criminal Behavior?

    965 Words  | 2 Pages

    In order to gain a full understanding of crime and criminal behaviour it is important to place a definition on the term ‘crime’ itself. Criminologists define crime differently in comparison to sociologist, psychologists and even amongst themselves, this is an important factor to note because the term crime covers a diverse range of issues across the border due to the differences in social morality and social norms. For instance (Blackburn 1993, p5) identifies crimes as ‘acts attracting legal punishment (…) Offences against the community’. However Looking at how society i.e. politicians, academics and members of the community view crime, we are able to gain an insight as to how crime and criminal behaviour is defined.

    Read More

  • Criminology: The Consensus View of Crime

    865 Words  | 2 Pages

    Criminology is the study of crime and criminals; a branch of sociology. More accurately, it is the study of crime as a social trend, and its overall origins, its many manifestations and its impact upon society as a whole. That makes it more a form of sociology than a law enforcement tool. But the trends it studies have a huge impact on the way the police do their jobs, the way society treats its criminals, and the way a given community goes about maintaining law and order. The writer will describe and give examples of the three perspectives of viewing crimes. The perspectives that will be highlighted are the consensus view, the conflict view or the interactionist view. Each perspective maintain its own interpretation of what constitutes criminal activities and what causes people to engage in criminal behaviors (Siegel, p.12).

    Read More

  • The Causes of Criminal Behavior

    776 Words  | 2 Pages

    Human antisocial behaviour is complex and trying to understand it has always proven to be a daunting intelligent task, especially in modern culturally diverse societies. Crime, broadly defined as behaviour through which individuals obtain resources for others through uncouth means, presents as one of the most refractory internal social dilemmas. Understanding individual criminal acts such a murder, rape or motives behind them is intricate, rather their behavioral definitions and causes offers a more clear platform for argumentative reasoning. Criminal behaviour, regardless of manner, involves use of barbaric methodologies to obtain symbolic or material resources. Criminal behavior results from methodical processes that involve intricate interactions among isolated, societal, and environmental factors in people’s lives.

    Read More

More about Criminology: Why People Commit Crimes

Open Document