SOCIAL PROCESS EXPLANATIONS OF CRIME

Learning Theories share two characteristics:

1. They all view crime as a consequence of "wrong" socialization. What are some major agents of socialization?
2. They all present a positivist view of crime that stresses influences of external forces on the individual.

Differential Association Theory (Sutherland)

• Principles of Criminology (1939)
• We learn criminal behavior through our association with others who advocate criminal values. People engage in crime when there is an excess of definitions in favor of crime.
• Nine propositions
• Evidence consistent w/ theory but no direct proof.
• Problems with the theory?

Neutralization Theory (Sykes and Matza)

• Law-abiding people may accept validity of law but violate it anyway.
• To do this, people "neutralize" any guilt they may feel before they engage in the delinquent act. They develop "rationalizations" about why it's okay to break the law.
• Five common rationalizations.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

Some have argued that the portrayal of violence in the media is a major factor contributing to the recent incidents of school violence (eg, Columbine and Jonesboro). Do you believe that the media plays a prominent role as a teacher of violence? If so, what are some possible policy recommendations to reduce violence? For example, do you believe that censorship would be a good idea? If you were to conduct a study to determine the influence of the media, how might you assess the impact of the media?

NEUTRALIZATION THEORY

1. Sykes and Matza note: "one of the most fascinating problems about human behavior is why men violate the laws in which they believe." What solution do Sykes and Matza offer to this problem?
2. Most students disapprove of cheating on exams, but many nonetheless cheat. List possible justifications such students might give for their cheating behavior. Which techniques of neutralization do these justifications illustrate?
3. Sykes and Matza argue that the techiques of neutralization are learned from others. They do not, however, describe those groups or types of individuals that are most likely to employ the techniques of neutralization. What groups or categories of individuals do you think are most likely to employ the techniques of neutralization and why?