Social Learning Theory

1
Social Learning Theory

• Edwin Sutherland (1947) Differential
  Association
• Sykes and Matza (1957) Techniques of
  Neutralization
• Burgess and Akers (1968) Differential
  Reinforcement Theory
• Akers (1973-present) Social Learning Theory

2
Differential Association

• Edwin Sutherland
• Ph.D from University of Chicago, 1913
• Focused on Chicago School question how are
  delinquent cultures transmitted across
  generations? Published and revised in his
  textbook from 1934-1947
• Differential Association
• A general theory for all types of crime
• Final version stated in nine principles

3
Differential Association

• 1. Criminal behavior is learned (it is not
  invented) In interactions with others in
  intimate groups
• 2. Differential associations vary Intensity,
  priority, duration, frequency
• 3. Learning includes (a) techniques (b)
  attitudes that are contained in definitions of
  the legal code
• 4. Delinquency is caused by an excess of
  definitions in favor of law violation
• 5. Learning criminal behavior involves the same
  processes and mechanisms as other behaviors

4
Criticisms of D.A.

• What are Definitions in favor of law violation?
• Attitudes that unconditionally approve crime?
• Rationalizations that justify crime in some
  cases?
• Attitudes that are conducive to crime?
• How exactly is crime learned?

5
Sykes and Matza

• Techniques of Neutralization
• Attempt to elaborate/test Sutherlands theory
• Denial of victim
• Denial of injury
• Condemn the condemners
• Appeal to higher loyalties
• Not attitudes that require crime, but rather
  excuse or justify in some cases

6
D.A. to Social Learning

• Burgess and Akers (1966)
• Differential Reinforcement Theory
• Added Operant conditioning (reinforcers/punishers)
  
• Akers Social Learning Theory (1973-present)
• Added Vicarious learning, made modifications

7
Concepts in S.L.T.

• Differential Association
• Definitions
• Differential Reinforcement
• Imitation

8
Hmmm....He never missed game winners when he
played for the Packers....must be the purple
uniform.
Its still Sept, but better to be 2-0 than 1-1
(and to have lost to the Lions).
9
Social Learning Theory (Akers)
Exposure to definitions or different role
models
Balance of definitions or role models produces
initial behaviors
Positive or negative reinforcement
Definitions Behaviors Role models
R(/-)
DA
10
Exposure to Delinquent Peers

• Why S.L. measure?
• Strength of Relationship
• Rs .2 - .4 are common
• Criticisms

• Measuring delinquency twice
• Causal (time) ordering (birds of a feather

11
Pro-Criminal Attitudes

• Why a measure of S.L.?
• Strength of relationship? Rs gt .4
• Criticism

CAUSAL ORDERING Rationalization are simply
post-hoc excuses, they do not cause crime, but
only allow the criminal to wiggle out of trouble
12
Beyond Surveys

• Establishing causation via experiments with
  offenders
• What is the policy implication of S.L.T.?
• Measure both intermediate objectives and
  long-term outcomes

13
Don Andrews (1980)

• Group treatment for Prisoners and Probationers
• Manipulated content (definitions), group leaders
  (quality of role model), and self-management
• Reductions in recidivism ranged from 10-25

14
Achievement Place

• Houses with a married couple serving as parents
• Served as role models
• Token economy verbal physical praise
• Peer groups
• Evaluations are mixed (some positive)
• Tend to lose positive effects after release
• Be wary of peer culture programs

15
Cognitive Programs

• Changing the way criminals think
• Criminal Thinking Errors
• (Rationalizations, Definitions)
• Changing how criminals think
• Anger management
• Prosocial Skills

16
SUMMARY OF S.L.T

• GOOD
• 1. Substantial Empirical Support
• 2. Useful Policy Implications
• 3. Scope and Parsimony
• BAD
• 1. Causal ordering?
• 2. Explaining early childhood?
• A. Does all antisocial behavior have to be
  learned?