Social Learning Theories and Juveniles Essay Example
Running Head: Social Learning Theories and Juveniles
Social Learning Theories Relating to Juvenile delinquency
Abstract
This paper takes a closer look at the social learning’s of society’s subculture that displays delinquent behavior. Using differential association I explain the learned behavior through the social environment such as role models, peer influence, and poverty stricken families. Delinquency is not biologically nor psychologically but is learned just as a person learns to obey the law. The study design is to help further the notion that criminal behavior is learned and not inherited due to genetic structure.
Social Learning Theories Relating to Juvenile delinquency
In today’s society juvenile delinquency is the root of major issues that lead to adult delinquency which leads to prison overcrowding and 8.6 percent of the California’s general fund being consumed by the prison system in 2006-2007 fiscal year (Lawrence, 232). Learning theories contend that criminal behavior is learned from others and this learning process necessarily involves the internalization of values, norms, and behaviors that vary across areas and groups. Therefore, neither free will nor biological or psychological characteristics are associated with delinquent behavior, but rather the social environment effect on the maturation process (i.e. your product of your environment). Edwin Sutherland’s differential association theory suggests criminal behavior is learnable and learned in interaction with other deviant persons, causing the behavior to be learned at a young age. Sutherland’s (1947) theory lays down the foundation for explaining deviant behavior in correlation to juveniles. In this paper, I hope to use social learning theories to further understand the relationship of juvenile deviance and the environment they try to prosper in, i.e. the influence it has played in their young lives. I believe that an individual is influenced through their personal trials and
Social Learning Theories Relating to Juvenile delinquency
Abstract
This paper takes a closer look at the social learning’s of society’s subculture that displays delinquent behavior. Using differential association I explain the learned behavior through the social environment such as role models, peer influence, and poverty stricken families. Delinquency is not biologically nor psychologically but is learned just as a person learns to obey the law. The study design is to help further the notion that criminal behavior is learned and not inherited due to genetic structure.
Social Learning Theories Relating to Juvenile delinquency
In today’s society juvenile delinquency is the root of major issues that lead to adult delinquency which leads to prison overcrowding and 8.6 percent of the California’s general fund being consumed by the prison system in 2006-2007 fiscal year (Lawrence, 232). Learning theories contend that criminal behavior is learned from others and this learning process necessarily involves the internalization of values, norms, and behaviors that vary across areas and groups. Therefore, neither free will nor biological or psychological characteristics are associated with delinquent behavior, but rather the social environment effect on the maturation process (i.e. your product of your environment). Edwin Sutherland’s differential association theory suggests criminal behavior is learnable and learned in interaction with other deviant persons, causing the behavior to be learned at a young age. Sutherland’s (1947) theory lays down the foundation for explaining deviant behavior in correlation to juveniles. In this paper, I hope to use social learning theories to further understand the relationship of juvenile deviance and the environment they try to prosper in, i.e. the influence it has played in their young lives. I believe that an individual is influenced through their personal trials and