Sociology of Crime: Learning Theory - Essay Example

Introduction
Crime is the result of individuals making choices to commit a crime and is not the result of their social circumstances. While individuals may be influenced by their social surroundings and the people that they associate themselves with, they still act on their own free will when it comes to any sort of crime. With some exceptions involving medical problems, the individual is completely conscious of what it is that they are doing (Vold, 1998).

Sociological/Criminological Theories
Social Learning Theory
People learn the “art” of crime through their associations with others that are involved in criminal acts themselves. Due to these involvements with other criminals, the individuals view crime as desirable – something that can be used appropriately in social situations (Akers, 1998). Other people make them think that crime is something that can be condoned, and so they do it on their own, as they see it fit into their own lives. When it comes to teenagers, they learn how to engage in crime in the same way that they would learn how to conform to the needs of society (Matza & Sykes, 1961), despite that crime is not socially condoned.

A criminal might use their own mindset of beliefs on criminology to help others to see that what they are doing is not wrong. They try to get others to see things from their point of view. When modeling criminal activity, an individual does what might have been done to them: they influence others.

Control Theory
Many sociologists wish to find out why people involve themselves in crime, while others want to know why people conform, to begin with. The control theory has to do with how much restraint a person is willing to put on him or herself to avoid partaking in criminal acts. Once a person gives in to conformity, they are no longer following their own unique rules about how to go about life and keeping to their morals.

Labeling Theory
The labeling theory states that once a person is labeled a criminal, and others begin to view them as such, they will respond to it by continuing to act in a criminal manner (Gottfredson & Hirschi, 1990). The more a person is treated like and called a criminal, the more that the chances increase of them further engaging in criminal activity. As some of these labeled criminals have trouble seeking out employment, their label presses them into more criminal activity.

As influencing and conformity are strong enough to start a person into a career of criminal acts, so it can increase how deep they get themselves into their trouble. Society may influence an individual into doing criminal acts, and it may keep them from doing nothing but; however, it is solely the fault of the individual for allowing himself or herself to engage in these activities.

Social Disorganization Theory
While the social disorganization theory focuses more on racial and ethnic groups instead of solely individuals, it can still shed light on other reasons as to why an individual might feel the need to involve him or herself in criminal activity (Sampson & Groves, 1989).

The social disorganization theory helps to understand why certain groups are more likely to commit crimes than other groups. Many of the factors playing into this are the immediate environment, such as family, friends, and school, social class, and if there is any discrimination or prejudice against the specific group. These factors can affect an individual because they may feel it is expected of them. An individual might feel that because they are in a low-class neighborhood, they should engage in criminal activity, such as robbery, to gain the things that their family may need.

If racial discrimination or prejudice is the main factor in play, then individuals might involve themselves in criminal activity to gain a reputation (Cohen & Felson, 1979). This reputation can be used to instate fear in others or admiration. It gives them something else to work with when their race, ethnicity, or culture is not accepted.

Conclusion
The act of crime that an individual commits is the sole responsibility of the individuals themselves. Society or other criminal individuals may introduce the person to the criminal activities, but the individual caves into the pressure, or sees the negative benefits for themselves in what they do. Other factors play into how a criminal begins what they do, and if they continue doing it. Friends, family, and society are the biggest factors, while a lack of punishment or interventions are others. The choice to engage in criminal behavior is by the will of the individual, as they have the means to say no or to change their ways.