In the United States, one out of every 100 adults is incarcerated (Collier, 2014, p. 56). Strictly based on this number, it would appear that America has a rather large criminal population that needs acknowledging. However, upon closer inspection, it appears that conditioning may hold some responsibility for this long-standing and self-perpetuating issue. If we observe and take into consideration how criminal behavior and attitudes can spread through learning, and how the criminal justice system as it currently stands is ill prepared to reverse these learned attitudes and behaviors, we may begin to understand the larger, more systemic, issues. Theoretically, there is strong evidence that shows how differential association can provide insight
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In control theory, deviant acts are said to result from an individual’s attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief, which it goes on to define (Criminology Theory, 1998, p. 289). Its main concern is attachment, which refers to the social bonds an individual establishes with society, whether they are weak or strong, and how they relate to one’s ability or desire to violate social norms. “The concept of commitment assumes that the organization of society is such that the interests of most person’s would be endangered if they were to engage in criminal acts” (Criminology Theory, 1998, p. 292). This implies that, if time and energy is invested in socially acceptable things (e.g., education, business, a virtuous reputation), deviation is less likely to occur. Basically, the risk involved becomes too great and interest in deviance is lost. Involvement equates a lack of opportunity to a lack of virtue, claiming that leisure influences a poor value system, which can lead to delinquency. Finally, control theory assumes that if an individual challenges or questions the established societal norms, they are likely to deviate from them. As convincing as Hirschi’s theory may seem, comparing it to that of differential association theory shows certain flaws and
In control theory, deviant acts are said to result from an individual’s attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief, which it goes on to define (Criminology Theory, 1998, p. 289). Its main concern is attachment, which refers to the social bonds an individual establishes with society, whether they are weak or strong, and how they relate to one’s ability or desire to violate social norms. “The concept of commitment assumes that the organization of society is such that the interests of most person’s would be endangered if they were to engage in criminal acts” (Criminology Theory, 1998, p. 292). This implies that, if time and energy is invested in socially acceptable things (e.g., education, business, a virtuous reputation), deviation is less likely to occur. Basically, the risk involved becomes too great and interest in deviance is lost. Involvement equates a lack of opportunity to a lack of virtue, claiming that leisure influences a poor value system, which can lead to delinquency. Finally, control theory assumes that if an individual challenges or questions the established societal norms, they are likely to deviate from them. As convincing as Hirschi’s theory may seem, comparing it to that of differential association theory shows certain flaws and