CMY3701
Essay summaries of all the theories
which include:
• Akers Social Learning Theory
• Bandura’s Social Learning Theory & Social Cognitive Learning Theory
• Classical School
• Eysenck’s biosocial theory of crime
• Genetic factors
• Merton’s – Anomie
• Positivist School
• Rational Choice Theory
• Richard Quinney’s conflict theory
• Biochemical Factors
• CHICAGO SCHOOL & SOCIAL DISORGANISATION
• Sutherland’s Theory of differential association
• Labelling Theory
• Merton’s Theory of Anomie
,
,AKERS’ SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY
(15 MARKS)
A detailed discussion on the four elements is required, include
practical examples.
, AKERS’ SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY
(15 MARKS)
1. Introduction
Akers’ social learning theory is a reformulation of Sutherland’s theory of differential
association, and is also called differential reinforcement. Akers’ theory claims to explain both
law-abiding and criminal behaviour.
Social learning theorists believe that people are not inherently aggressive but learn these
behaviours from role models growing up. The young child, for example, sees his/her mother
conceding after a physical assault and thereby learns that such behaviours are in some way
rewarded.
2. Definition
Social learning: The theory that behaviours are learnt from observing the behaviour of others
in the social environment, and not just by means of operant conditioning.
3. Key elements in terms of behaviour
3.1. Differential association
Differential association is the most important source of social learning, and includes the
patterns of interactions with others who are the source of definitions that either encourage or
discourage breaking the law.
3.2. Definitions
Definitions are the meanings one attaches to one’s behaviour, and includes a person’s
disposition, his/her experiences of life, and principles of right and wrong. Definitions can be
influenced by religious or moral values and the person’s opinions.
3.3. Differential reinforcement
Differential reinforcement refers to the real or expected results of a specific action.
Reinforcement can be positive or negative.
Essay summaries of all the theories
which include:
• Akers Social Learning Theory
• Bandura’s Social Learning Theory & Social Cognitive Learning Theory
• Classical School
• Eysenck’s biosocial theory of crime
• Genetic factors
• Merton’s – Anomie
• Positivist School
• Rational Choice Theory
• Richard Quinney’s conflict theory
• Biochemical Factors
• CHICAGO SCHOOL & SOCIAL DISORGANISATION
• Sutherland’s Theory of differential association
• Labelling Theory
• Merton’s Theory of Anomie
,
,AKERS’ SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY
(15 MARKS)
A detailed discussion on the four elements is required, include
practical examples.
, AKERS’ SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY
(15 MARKS)
1. Introduction
Akers’ social learning theory is a reformulation of Sutherland’s theory of differential
association, and is also called differential reinforcement. Akers’ theory claims to explain both
law-abiding and criminal behaviour.
Social learning theorists believe that people are not inherently aggressive but learn these
behaviours from role models growing up. The young child, for example, sees his/her mother
conceding after a physical assault and thereby learns that such behaviours are in some way
rewarded.
2. Definition
Social learning: The theory that behaviours are learnt from observing the behaviour of others
in the social environment, and not just by means of operant conditioning.
3. Key elements in terms of behaviour
3.1. Differential association
Differential association is the most important source of social learning, and includes the
patterns of interactions with others who are the source of definitions that either encourage or
discourage breaking the law.
3.2. Definitions
Definitions are the meanings one attaches to one’s behaviour, and includes a person’s
disposition, his/her experiences of life, and principles of right and wrong. Definitions can be
influenced by religious or moral values and the person’s opinions.
3.3. Differential reinforcement
Differential reinforcement refers to the real or expected results of a specific action.
Reinforcement can be positive or negative.
