Social Learning Theory Analysis
According to Williams and McShane (2014), social learning theory “explain[s] deviant behavior by emphasizing reinforcement and discriminative stimuli.” (p. 184). More specifically, social learning theory states that deviant behavior is most likely to supported in a social environment that reinforces said behavior. Additionally, a major point of the social learning theory is that, on the one hand, behavior is shaped to seek out pleasure while, on the other hand, avoiding pain.
Based upon one’s own social environment, different behaviors may be viewed differently (i.e. deviant vs. not deviant). For example, in one person’s family it may be considered unacceptable to make fun of, or antagonize, their siblings. As a result, behaving in …show more content…
Many could argue that if one spends a significant amount of time around a certain type of culture or group, that person will begin to pick up common characteristics and mannerisms of said culture and/or group. Additionally, engaging in the similar behaviors as the culture and/or group may be reinforced by obtaining the sense of belonging to same. As one last example relating to reinforcement, consider a teenager who has not had the best nor most stable upbringing due to having parents who are addicts. This person resides in a low income neighborhood where the crime and gang activity rates are much higher than average. This person begins to associate himself with a local known gang. In exchange for being a member, the person is told that he must commit certain crimes and do whatever the gang requests of him. In exchange for his loyalty and obedience, the gang will provide him with shelter, food, and protection. Each time the person completes a request asked if him, he is rewarded with expensive clothing, footwear, accessories, vehicles, and other similar items. Through the things that the gang provides him, they are reinforcing his deviant behavior to continue said behavior with the expectation that he will obtain something of great value to him as a reward. Additionally, due to the social environment that this person is in, the person does not even imagine of living any other life than the one that he is
Based upon one’s own social environment, different behaviors may be viewed differently (i.e. deviant vs. not deviant). For example, in one person’s family it may be considered unacceptable to make fun of, or antagonize, their siblings. As a result, behaving in …show more content…
Many could argue that if one spends a significant amount of time around a certain type of culture or group, that person will begin to pick up common characteristics and mannerisms of said culture and/or group. Additionally, engaging in the similar behaviors as the culture and/or group may be reinforced by obtaining the sense of belonging to same. As one last example relating to reinforcement, consider a teenager who has not had the best nor most stable upbringing due to having parents who are addicts. This person resides in a low income neighborhood where the crime and gang activity rates are much higher than average. This person begins to associate himself with a local known gang. In exchange for being a member, the person is told that he must commit certain crimes and do whatever the gang requests of him. In exchange for his loyalty and obedience, the gang will provide him with shelter, food, and protection. Each time the person completes a request asked if him, he is rewarded with expensive clothing, footwear, accessories, vehicles, and other similar items. Through the things that the gang provides him, they are reinforcing his deviant behavior to continue said behavior with the expectation that he will obtain something of great value to him as a reward. Additionally, due to the social environment that this person is in, the person does not even imagine of living any other life than the one that he is