individualistic learning

• Sutherland differential association theory:

  • KEY IDEA = criminality is the result of imitation and learned attitudes in groups that favour law breaking
  • STUDY = group attitudes in the workplace often normalise behaviour. members are able to justify their crimes as everyone is doing it. (White collar)
• strengths of Sutherland:

  • crime often runs in the family
  • MATTHEWS = juvenile delinquents are more likely too have friends who commit anti social acts. they learn from peer groups
• limitation of Sutherland:

  • not everyone exposed to criminal influences become criminal
• skinner operant learning theory

  • KEY IDEA = if a behaviour results in reward it will be repeated. if it results in punishment it will not
  • THIS LINKS TO CRIME = Jeffery's differential reinforcement theory suggests crime must have more rewards than punishments for criminals
• strengths of skinner:

  • JEFFERY = Differential reinforcement theory suggests crime must have more rewards than punishment for criminals
  • if behaviour has rewards it will be repeated. if behaviour has punishments it will not
• limitations of skinner:

  • animals are not the same as humans. this study was only done on rats/mice
  • ignores free will of humans. too deterministic
  • theory ignores mental processes such as thinking, attitudes and values
• bandura social learning theory:

  • KEY IDEA = much of our behaviour is learned from role models
  • IMITATION = we are more likely to imitate people of higher status than us if we see them being rewarded
  • EVIDENCE = bobo doll study. children imitate violent adult if they were rewarded
• strengths of bandura:

  • shows importance of role models when learning deviance
  • takes account of social nature as we learn from others experience
• limitations of bandura:

  • based on lab studies so lacks validity
  • ignores free will so its too deterministic
  • not all observed behaviour is easily imitated. may see criminals rewarded but lack skills to copy