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Criminal Psychology (The Social Learning Theory of criminality (Key…
Criminal Psychology
The Social Learning Theory of criminality
summary
Criminality is LEARNT through social interactions with role models and peers
This theory supports the idea that nurture (your upbringing) has a bigger effect than Nature (your genes/biology) in figuring out how an individual behaves
Key features of social learning
Role model
identification
observation
vicarious reinforcement
imitation
direct reinforcement
internalisation
Key idea
social learning relies on reinforcement and to a lesser extent punishment
the effect of these types of CONDITIONING have on behaviour
Reinforcement: increase behaviour
Punishment: decrease behaviour
CRITICISMS of (SLT)
SLT ignores the role of nature completely
SLT does not explain how criminality started
SLT does not explain criminal behaviour in those who are not exposed to criminal role models
If SLT is true, then punishment should be effective at changing criminal behaviour but it often is not
Bandura's Bobo Doll Esperiment (1961)
Key Concepts
Different types of crime
Drug related
Selling cocaine
Possession of cannabis
Violence
Physical assault
Murder
Acquisitive
Theft
Fraud
Burglary
Anti-social
Graffiti
Drunk and disorderly
Sexual
Rape
Child pornography
Defining Criminal Behaviour
Criminal Behaviour
Behaviour that goes against the laws for that country
differs across different counties/ cultures
example: in some countries Homosexuality is a crime, handguns are legal etc
some argue that ALL crime is subjective
Example: it depends on the individual as to what they think is a crime or not
can suggest that crime is a social construct
social construct: groups of individuals decide together what is/ is not a crime
this can mean that definitions of crime can change over time
Example: in the UK Homosexuality was a crime until 1967
understanding crime: Try seeing it as behaviour that deviates from the norm
meaning: behaviour that is not in line with what society expects
these deviation from norms are often seen as criminal
Example: having more than one marriage partner is illegal in the UK, However in other countries its normal.
Measuring Criminal Behaviour
Official Statistics
Detail
Measured by government based on actual crimes reported to police
weaknesses of this approach
Not all crimes are reported due to embarrassment, fear or lack of awareness