Social Learning Related to Criminal Behaviors

There are a number of theories regarding how social learning affects criminal behaviors. One of the theories of social learning related to criminal behavior is behavior theory. This means that human actions are developed through learning experiences. People learn behavior patterns or change their behavior based on the reactions it receives from others. Criminals learn how to become criminals by either watching others or being taught how to commit crimes. Children who grow up in dysfunctional families or are surrounded by family members that engage in or support criminal behavior can learn to become criminals. Just like most children learn how to properly behave and act these children learn how to commit crimes. The boy who watches his father beat his mother, is more likely to grow up and beat his wife or girlfriend. The child whose mother uses drugs in front of them is more likely to use drugs themselves. Gangs and peers can also have a learning effect on others by teaching or showing peers how to commit crimes. Gangs and peers show members and friends how to steal, rob, sell and use drugs, kill, and commit other types of crime.

Not only are people affected by the actions of their family members and friends, but are also affected by what they watch on TV and in the movies. Some, in particularly children, believe through watching TV and movies that certain behavior is acceptable and that criminal or irresponsible behavior is rewarded and exciting. This definitely has been proven by the many instances of children and adults watching the news, TV, or the movies and doing copycat crimes. According to this social learning theory, the rewards or benefits of committing crimes outweigh the negative consequences involved in criminal behavior. However, social learning is also responsible for preventing most people from becoming criminals. The punishment or negative consequences of committing a crime outweighs any rewards one may experience. A teenager who gets arrested for shoplifting may feel embarrassed, find jail unpleasant, and feels sorry for letting down family members, so she will refrain from shoplifting. However, another young person may feel that the incident impressed friends, are encouraged by friends to continue shoplifting, or she may feel the need to shoplift because of the family’s financial position, or she simply may not take the punishment seriously and continue the criminal behavior. Social learning according to behavior theory does not believe people are born criminals. However, it does imply that genetic traits and certain environmental factors such as living in high crime areas can predispose someone to criminal behavior.