ch. 6 Differential Association and Social Learning Theories – Flashcards

Deviance is learned - instructions required Focused on crime but can be used for non criminal behaviors **stated that the old way to view crime was invalid because it only kept lower class crime in mind..Not white collar crime**

1.Criminal behavior is learned. [Not inherited or inherent] 2.Criminal behavior is learned in interaction and communication with others 3.Intimate personal groups is the principle part of learning crime 4.Learning criminal behavior includes (a) techniques and (b) specific direction of motives, drives, rationalizations, and attitudes 5.The specific direction of motives and drives is learned from definitions of the legal code as favorable or unfavorable . 6.An excess of definitions [associations] favorable to violation of the law delinquent [Rational Choice - does the benefit outweigh potential risks?] 7.Differential associations may vary in frequency, duration, priority, and intensity 8.Same mechanisms are involved in learning crime as involved in any other learning 9.Criminal behavior is not explained by general needs and values, because noncriminal behavior is an expression of the same needs and values

Adds psychological idea of operant conditioning.. individual behavior is modified by antecedents/ consequences. operant conditioning => social and a social reinforcement of learning

1.Definitions Attitudes, beliefs, rationalizations of good/bad, right/wrong Can be general or specific Can be favorable , neutralizing or reproachful of behavior 2.Differential association Definitions are learned through contact with others 3.Differential reinforcement "Balance of anticipated and actual rewards and punishments" Likelihood of rewards and punishments will reinforce or diminish 4.Imitation Observing modeled behavior and repeating Ex: candy cigarettes

>Deviant behavior is learned according to the principles of operant conditioning >Deviant behavior is learned both in asocial and social situations through reinforcement >Learning deviant behavior occurs with primary groups of reinforcement over individual

1.Differential social organization - structural correlates of crime 2.Differential location in the social structure - social and demographic characteristics of individuals defining role in larger social structure 3.Theoretically defined structural variables - anomie, class oppression, social disorganization, group conflict, patriarchy 4.Differential social location in groups - membership in various groups Link to subcultures

Social structural social learning theory

Too much emphasis on juvenile delinquency some deviance cannot be covered ex. serial killers

values, beliefs, rituals, and practices of societies that promote certain deviant behaviors.

subcultrual emphasize on values, beliefs, rituals, and practices of subgroups in society that distinguish them from the larger society

gender and it's relation to power - focuses can be on sexual orientation, race, economic status, and nationality >level can include face to face interation - social structure at large