Criminal Behavior: Social Learning And Rational Choice Theory

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According to Hess, Orthmann, and Wright, there are many theories that causes criminal behavior. Criminal behavior refers to the misconduct of an offender that leads to the commission of an unlawful act (Legal, I. U.). It is said that one’s environment can be influential to those whose commit crimes. The purpose of this essay is to discusses two of the most major theories of criminology: social learning and rational choice theory. I will then analyze each of these theories and their assumptions when it comes to the reasoning of criminal behavior. It is said that social learning theory, proposed by Albert Bandura (1977), is perhaps the most influential theory of learning and development. This theory argued that criminal behavior is learned meaning, it is learned from others through social interaction, known as observational learning. Juveniles today feed off what they see; for instance, they see someone break into a house, of course, they are going to attempt to do the same thing. Some juveniles do this because …show more content…

People focuses more on the label they are given instead of how one may truly be in the inside; which eventually lead to them to increasing the seriousness of illegal activity and committing criminal behavior. The label one is given will eventually become parts of their self-concept. Once labeled, individuals may have trouble with securing employment which will of course increase their level of strain and result into committing criminal behavior; because, without a stable jib or any form of income they result to what they know best and that is getting it by any mean regardless the possible outcome. Although labeling increases crime it is said that it also can reduce crime when it causes the offender to feel guilty for what they have

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