Why Would An Individual Become A Criminal

Why would an individual become a criminal? According to the social learning theory, a person’s social circle could influence criminal behavior. Individuals learn values and behavior from observing the people around them. If your social circle thinks it is okay to commit crimes, it is very likely for you to think criminal behavior is normal. With change in behavior, it is normal for a change in values to occur as well. Before interacting with negative influencers like criminals, an individual at some point in their life probably did think it is wrong to steal. After being around negative influencers, an individual may start to think of these behaviors as normal or cool. Surrounding yourself with negative influences does not necessarily mean
that you will become one too. However, rewards and punishments control behavior, which is also defined as differential reinforcement. For an example, let’s suppose that a person hanging out with bad influences, decides to steal some cigarettes. This individual gets away with the crime and they now have free cigarettes to enjoy with their friends. This person’s actions is reinforced with the rewards of free cigarettes and respect from their friends and there is no punishment. Without punishment there is no good behavior to be reinforced, instead this individual will most likely steal again.