There is an interesting connection between operant conditioning and deterrence theory.
There is an interesting connection between operant conditioning and deterrence theory. (See Chapter 3, Neoclassical Criminology.) In essence, philosophers such as Beccaria and Bentham, writing during the 1800s, correctly predicted that swift and certain punishment would be most effective in controlling human behavior. Indeed, at least one commentator has suggested that deterrence could be absorbed into a broader theory of learning.24Punishment through the criminal justice system would represent one form, among many, of operant conditioning that shapes human behavior.
Theorists across the disciplines of psychology and sociology tie delinquency to the failure of parents to effectively condition their children away from aggression, stealing, lying, and other antisocial behavior. Sociologists often refer to this as direct parental control. (See Chapter 7, Social Process and Crime.) Research on children and adolescents has long supported the link between parental use of operant conditioning and delinquency.25Sheldon and Eleanor Glueck’s study of 500 delinquent and 500 nondelinquent boys found that “harsh and erratic” punishment had a strong influence on delinquency.26 Reviews of the literature find that other measures of parenting, including supervision and discipline, are among the stronger predictors of delinquency.2727,2828
Gerald Patterson and his associates at the Oregon Social Learning Center work extensively with delinquent children and their parents. Patterson’s social interactional theory, derived from this work, has parental efficacy (effectiveness) as its central concept.29Parents who monitor their children closely, recognize deviant behavior, and use consistent punishment and reinforcement are more likely to rear nondelinquent children. Conversely, Patterson notes that parents of delinquent children “do not track, they do not interpret stealing … as ‘deviant,’ they do not punish, and they do not care.”30 Patterson recognizes, however, that parenting efficacy is dependent (to some extent) on family environment (Figure 5-2). For example, single parents living on a marginal income might need to work two jobs and sacrifice some supervision over their children.
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Primary Task Response: In Unit 1, you read about criminology, crimes, and perspectives on crime and potential policies and practices that lead to crimes. In this discussion, you will explore the social learning theory and how to deal with criminals, juveniles, and environmental factors that may impact someone becoming a criminal.
Please respond to the following:
Make up a story using Gerald Patterson’s social learning theory (see Figure 5-2, p. 116). Explain how the person in your story becomes a criminal. Try to use as many elements in the theory as possible.
Based on your scenario, how might policymakers use alternatives to dealing with criminals linked to social learning theory to reduce access to delinquent peers, change antisocial attitudes, or induce reinforcement of prosocial behavior?
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