NCJ Number
223953
Journal
Journal of Gang Research Volume: 15 Issue: 4 Dated: Summer 2008 Pages: 1-14
Date Published
2008
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This purpose of this narrative paper is to address the approach/theory of Social Process in the study of gangs.
Abstract
Social learning theories focus on behavior and explain the process by which criminal behavior takes place and tells why the behavior occurs. According to Differential Association, criminal behavior is learned based on the interactions with others and the values that are received during the interaction. Individuals learn values from a wide array of associates and institutions, such as family, friends, and coworkers and those values either support or oppose criminal behavior. This narrative theory summation offers possible reasons was to why juveniles join and commit crimes while in a gang. Each of the three discussed theories is “general theories” within the field of criminology. It is necessary to understand the theoretical aspects of crime in order to ensure a better understanding of the relationship between crime and theory. The gang problem in the United States is neither new, nor unusual, and each theoretical approach to explaining gangs is unique to the academic discipline from which it comes. Practitioners would benefit greatly in having a better understanding of the theoretical explanations offered. Criminological theories are separated into six approaches: (1) Classical School, (2) Social Structural Approaches, (3) Social Process Theories, (4) Psychological/Psychiatric Approaches, (5) Biological Theories, and (6) Social Conflict Theories. This narrative addresses Social Process, such as Differential Association, Differential Identification, and Differential Association-Reinforcement. This is the first paper in an ongoing submission of these six categories. The subsequent narrative papers will address selected theories within the remaining five criminological approaches. Diagram and bibliography