Social Process Theories and the Socialization of Deviants

Social Learning Theory (Bandura) We learn to become deviant, and learning is a result of observational conditioning. We learn deviance-appropriate skills. We learn that use of those skills is rewarding and appropriate.

Differential Association Theory (Sutherland) DAT was developed to deal with criminality that could not be interpreted in Social Disorganization Theory: white-collar crime. DAT consists of nine tenets:

Tenets of DAT 1. Criminal behaviour is learned, like any behaviour.

Tenets of DAT 2. Criminal behaviour is learned in social interaction with others.

Tenets of DAT 3. Criminal behaviour is learned in intimate groups that provide social support for deviant behaviour.

Tenets of DAT 4. Learning criminal behaviour involves learning the techniques for committing crimes as well as the attitudes, motives, and rationalizations necessary to commit crimes.

Tenets of DAT 5. Different groups teach that specific aspects of legal codes are either favourable or unfavourable, and these attitudes will determine the valence of motives and drives.

Tenets of DAT 6. A person becomes delinquent when s/he perceives more favourable than unfavourable consequences to violating the law, and this is learned as well.

Tenets of DAT 7. Differential associations can vary in frequency, duration, priority, and intensity. This emphasizes the notion that there are many sources for social learning given the makeup of society.

Tenets of DAT 8. Learning criminal behaviour is the same sort of process as any other sort of learning.

Tenets of DAT 9. Criminal behaviour is a means to fulfill basic human needs. (The question is, why do some persons resort to criminal activities to fulfill those needs? The answer is, of course, “differential association.”)

Differential Reinforcement Theory Adds element of reward, or “reinforcement,” to DAT. Improves on DAT by accounting for deviant/criminal careers, not only entrance into deviance or crime.

Deviance and Socialization “Socialization” is a process that consists of assimilation of –Rules –Values –Roles –Vernacular –Artifice and Appearance Adler and Adler: socialization into deviance can be promoted by parents!