Crim Test 2 Notes 3010 04 26 2013 Subcultural Theories Rooted in learning theory but different Deals with the passing of norms in a social context Subcultures arise due to a conflict with the larger society Differences in norms values expectations Can be criminal but don t have to be Typically passed between members through concepts included in differential association social learning Elijah Anderson s 1999 Code of the Street Ethnographic study of Georgetown Ave in Philadelphia PA Observed disadvantaged youth in the inner city neighborhoods Observed a distinct subculture in some neighborhoods Referred to as the code of the street Joblessness Violence Street code salient in neighborhoods with high rates of Poverty Racial Discrimination Helplessness Mistrust of police These types of neighborhoods are disproportionately experienced by African Americans Reject mainstream values adopt street code Places emphasis on respect toughness Use of violence is encouraged Essentially required Rules of the code are enforced by members of the neighborhood Results in viewing others as untrustworthy Delinquent means are justified in obtaining what the system does not fairly provide Anderson distinguishes between decent and street families Decent families committed to hard work educational achievement and middle class value Most families are decent families Street families adopt norms conducive to violence Immersed in the street code and emphasize toughness violence Socialize children to adhere to the code of the street All families must learn the code of the street Knowledge us necessary for normal everyday life Code switching is common for decent people Situations arise when violence in necessary switch back to normal middle class norms after not possible for street people Have too much to risk by switching Gene environment correlation rGE Process in which genes influence entry into specific environments Virtually every environment is at least partially influenced by genetic factors Between 20 50 of the variance on average Includes parental socialization peer interactions and neighborhoods Some of the most important variables in social learning subcultural theories Types of rGEs 1 Passive rGEs Result of parent passing genes and environments to children Children s environment positively correlated with genetic Ex abuse is correlated with genetic predispositions for displaying tendencies predispositions antisocial behavior 2 Evocative rGEs Genotype eliciting reactions from the environment Genes influence phenotypes which influence environments o Why people with antisocial phenotypes have other life problems 3 Active rGE s Role that the genotype plays in the selection of environments Typically seek out environments that allow for optimal genetic Genetically influenced by traits propel people into or away from certain expression environments Niche Seeking Peer interactions play a central role in social learning theories Formation of peer groups is partially a function of rGE s Peers tend to process similar talents interests and beliefs o All are influenced by genetic factors Choosing peers based on similar interests equates to choosing peers with similar peers with similar genetic tendencies This is an example of active rGE o Seeking out friends with similar genetic tendencies Peer interations are influenced by genes 21 of all interactions are influenced by genes 41 of all interactions with delinquent peers influenced by genes Indicates that humans are NOT blank slates Provides support for the bids of the feather flock together argument Delinquent youth seek out other delinquent youth o May be due to rejection from prosocial peer groups o Peer groups may amplify delinquent behavior rGE s and Subcultures Active rGE likely influential here too Some studies linking specific genes MAOA with increased aggression for youth who have adopted the street code Evidence indicating that genetic predispositions cluster in geographic space Genes influence increased aggression and use of violence First law if behavior genetics At least 50 inheritable Conclusion Social learning theories are at the very least somewhat incorrect Humans are not blank slates and come to the table with predispositions Human behavior is not completely influenced by social interactions o May have some impact but not all People aggregate into grouping due to shared traits o Which are directly influenced by genetic factors which are then also shared Introduction Humans have unlimited appetites Durkheim Always want more People will pursue self interests not the interests of society Everyone would commit crime if not controlled Behavior needs to be controlled Need social controls for a functional society Socialization is the only way to control appetites Presence of crime is the result of inadequate controls Motivation for criminal behavior is universal Control theories attempt to explain why people DON T commit crime 2 control theories we will examine in more detail 1 Social bonding theory 2 Self control theory Both theories were developed proposed by Travis Hirschi Travis Hirschi Received PH D from University of California in Berkley Former president of the ASC Social Bonding Theory Focused on explaining why most people don t commit crime No need to explain criminal motivation Focused on bonds with social groups peers family school More tightly bonded people are less likely to commit crime Bonds don t alleviate motivations Effect whether the person will act on their motivations Identified 4 types of bonds 1 Attachment 2 Commitment 3 Involvement 4 Belief Attachment Definition others Most important bond Affection that characterizes a relationship between people Extent an individual cares about the opinions of conventional More likely to refrain from crime if strongly bonded to others Encompasses other concepts o Self control internal control and indirect control Doesn t matter to whom one is Don t want to sacrifice relationship with delinquent behavior o Think of the repercussions of getting caught Attachment to the family is considered most important Puts family parents front and center Commitment Definition Investment an individual has in conventional society Related to stakes in conformity Commitments are potentially jeopardized with delinquency Punishment could result in losing all benefits of commitment Higher levels of commitment result in less delinquency The more they have to lose Involvement Definition Too busy with conventional
View Full Document
Unlocking...