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Understanding the roots of criminal behavior is a complex endeavor that involves exploring the intricate interplay between an individual's upbringing, social environment, and personal choices. The social process theory, a cornerstone of criminology, posits that criminals are not inherently predisposed to criminal acts but are rather shaped by their surroundings and learned behaviors. This essay delves into the various aspects of social process theories, exploring how individuals are influenced by their upbringing, association with peer groups, and societal responses to their actions, ultimately shedding light on the multifaceted nature of criminal behavior.
One fundamental aspect of social process theories is the recognition that an individual's upbringing and environment play a pivotal role in shaping their decisions and behaviors.
People are profoundly influenced by what they are taught during their formative years, as well as the conditions in which they are raised. This includes factors such as family dynamics, guardianship, and associations with peers.
Consider a scenario where a young boy grows up in a household where his family expresses anger through physical violence.
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In such an environment, this child may be more inclined to resort to physical aggression when faced with conflicts, making them more susceptible to getting into fights at school. In contrast, a child raised in a home where violence is absent is less likely to engage in such behavior. This stark difference illustrates that no one is inherently born with criminal tendencies; rather, they are directed toward criminal actions by their upbringing and surroundings.
Gangs are often seen as groups of individuals with shared characteristics and, at times, criminal tendencies.
Members of gangs who engage in criminal activities have typically been exposed to prior deviant behavior. The containment theory offers insights into what drives individuals toward criminal acts, highlighting both external and internal factors as contributors.
External factors encompass background abnormalities, including negative influences and possible biological or psychological defects. These external forces can push individuals toward criminal behavior. Conversely, internal factors involve personal desires and rewards, such as financial gain or sexual satisfaction, motivating individuals to commit crimes (Schmalleger, 2012).
The social bonds formed within gangs are characterized by attachment through shared interests, commitment to group activities, involvement with fellow members, and shared beliefs. However, the containment theory raises concerns about the potential transmission of psychopathic behavior within these groups. For instance, the tragic events of the Columbine shooting in 1999 involved two high school seniors who shared strong social bonds. The repercussions were devastating, with numerous casualties. While various theories have been proposed to explain their actions, the social control theory emphasizes the role of individuals and institutions in shaping behavior (Schmalleger, 2012).
The social control theory underscores the significance of the bonds people form with individuals and institutions around them. It examines how these relationships shape behavior and identifies factors in the environment that deter individuals from committing crimes (Schmalleger, 2012). This theory places some responsibility on parents who expose their children to violent media and weapons, potentially contributing to their criminal behavior.
The social learning theory posits that all behavior is learned, with a primary emphasis on communication and socialization in acquiring patterns of criminal behavior and values supporting it (Schmalleger, 2012). This theory complements the social control theory, suggesting that individuals acquire criminal behavior through learned patterns and social influences.
Moreover, the labeling theory highlights society's response to individuals defined as offenders, viewing continued criminal behavior as a consequence of limited opportunities for acceptable conduct due to negative societal reactions (Schmalleger, 2012). This theory provides insight into cases where individuals, like the Columbine shooters, may have been bullied and labeled as outcasts, potentially leading them to react in harmful ways.
Peacemaking criminology, developed by theorists such as Harold E. Pepinsky and Richard Quinney, emphasizes the need for crime-control agencies and citizens to collaborate in addressing social problems, including crime (Schmalleger, 2012). This theory advocates for a cooperative approach to resolving societal issues, standing in contrast to the conflict perspective theory.
The conflict perspective theory, rooted in the concept of social class, posits that the capitalist economy in the United States is a significant driver of crime (Reid, 2012). It argues that the laws established to maintain order often create dissent and criminal behavior, as they are shaped by the ruling class to control those without power. This theory suggests that as long as a materialistic, greed-driven society like capitalism persists, crime will remain a natural byproduct.
Marxist thinkers such as Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels argue that capitalism leads to criminal and antisocial behavior due to social conflict, especially in the context of private property ownership (Reid, 2012). Their work laid the foundation for understanding crime as a consequence of social conflict, where individuals who lack access to resources turn to criminal activities. While capitalism promotes materialism and a desire for more, communism, as proposed by Marx, aims to eliminate such disparities in wealth and resources, potentially reducing the motivations for crime (Sims, 1997).
Neighborhoods vary in terms of crime rates, with some being more dangerous than others. The social disorganization theory attributes these variations to the degree of direct supervision by law enforcement (Triplett & Gainey, 2007). Each neighborhood's unique characteristics influence the level of social control it exerts over its residents.
For instance, homeowners associations often establish strict rules and regulations within their neighborhoods, ensuring a structured hierarchy and the ability to penalize lawbreakers. However, in areas where gangs hold sway, such as South Central Los Angeles, criminal lifestyles may be normalized and viewed as the prevailing norm, leading individuals to engage in criminal activities.
Anomie, a term introduced by Emile Durkheim and later developed by Robert K. Merton, describes an environment where society fails to provide adequate regulation or constraint over its members' goals and desires (Durkheim & Merton, n.d.). In such circumstances, individuals may disregard established rules, resulting in criminal behavior. Anomie is a reflection of the consequences of limited opportunities for acceptable conduct due to societal constraints.
In conclusion, social process theories in criminology provide valuable insights into the complex nature of criminal behavior. Criminals are not born with an innate propensity for crime; instead, external forces, including upbringing, associations, and societal responses, significantly shape their actions. Individuals are influenced by their environment and the values instilled in them during their formative years.
Understanding the role of social bonds, peer associations, and societal reactions is essential in comprehending why individuals may engage in criminal activities. Additionally, the conflict perspective theory highlights the impact of economic systems, such as capitalism, on crime rates, suggesting that disparities in wealth and resources can fuel criminal motivations.
Ultimately, the study of criminology offers a multifaceted view of criminal behavior, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to criminal actions. By addressing the root causes of criminal behavior, society can work toward preventing and reducing crime, offering individuals the opportunity for positive development and a chance to break free from the cycle of criminality.
Social Process Theories in Criminology: Understanding Criminal Behavior. (2016, Apr 10). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/the-social-process-theory-essay
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