Learning Theories

As I have mentioned before, Learning theories have always been my favorite ones to understand crime. Not only can they explain crime, but they also leave the door open to change. I wanted to extend our discussion about theories and put together some research that I have previously done on learning theories. “A scientific theory of crime should provide a general explanation that encompasses and systematically connects many different social, economic, and psychological variables to criminal behavior” (Bartol & Bartol, 2021. p, 4).

 

 

Sutherland’s Differential Association  Theory (DAT) states that behavior is learned through interactions while communicating with our closest groups. Sutherland’s DAT has nine principles (Cullen et al. 2018):

  1. Criminal behavior is learned.
  2. Criminal behavior is learned through our communication processes. 
  3. Criminal behavior is learned from our intimate groups.
  4. Learning criminal behavior involves techniques and the motives to commit a crime.
  5. The legal code is seen as favorable or unfavorable, which is how motives to commit criminal behavior are learned.
  6.  A person becomes a criminal when the consequences of violating the law are more favorable than unfavorable.
  7. Differential association varies in frequency, duration, priority, and intensity.
  8. Learning criminal behavior entails the same ways in which we learn any other type of behavior.
  9. Criminal behavior is not excused by general needs and values.

 

 

Aker’s Social Learning theory (SLT) states that behavior is learned and reinforced by those groups closest to us through instrumental conditioning. There are four significant concepts (Cullen et. al 2018. p, 81):

  1. Differential association: the primary groups we associate with expose us to definitions and models to imitate.
  2. Definitions: are the meanings we give to behavior.
  3. Imitation: This is engaging in behavior after seeing others.
  4. Differential reinforcement is the balance of rewards and punishments, depending if we see them as positive or negative. 

A study by John K. Cochran, Jon Maskaly, Shayne Jones, and Christine S. Sellers (2017), Using Structural Equations to Model Aker’s Social Learning Theory With Data on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). The study included people that were in a relationship or had a relationship before. The results in both models proved that SLT could explain IPV in prior and current partners, especially the variables for differential reinforcement, definitions, and imitations. Akers’s Social Learning theory has proven to be true when tested and has also shown that it is a general theory that can explain different types of crimes.

 

The code of the street by Elijah Anderson. “The code of the street is a set of informal rules governing interpersonal public behavior, particularly violence. The rules prescribe proper comportment and the proper way to respond if challenged” (Anderson, 2000. Pag. 33). The code has existed for years in different forms through different civilizations, but it has always been there. The perpetuation of the code continues in those societies that are often at a disadvantage. We can see street and descent families and how the children are influenced and learn from those around them. 

 

 

Learning theories explain how people can learn criminal behavior from those around them. But they can also explain why people change or do not commit criminal acts when they are not accepted or committed by those closest to us. Specific theories can explain some crimes better than others. For example, developmental and trait theories can explain life-course-persistent offenders and adolescent-limited offenders. But, intersectionality between theories exists, and it helps to understand crime better and to put more pieces together, as there is not only one reason why crime happens. Regarding learning theories, nature vs. nurture and strains are essential to remember.

 

 

References:

Anderson, E. (2000). The code of the street. Decency, violence, and the moral life of the inner city. Norton & Company Inc.

Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. M. (2021). Criminal behavior: A psychological approach (12th ed.). Pearson.

Cochran, J. K., Maskaly, J., Jones, S., & Sellers, C. S. (2017). Using Structural Equations to Model Akers’ Social Learning Theory With Data on Intimate Partner Violence. Crime & Delinquency, 63(1), 39–60. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011128715597694

Cullen, F. T., Agnew, R., & Wilcox, P. (2017). Criminological Theory: Past to Present. 6th edition. Oxford University Press.

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