Exam 5: Social Process Theories

The policy implications derivable from social control and self-control theories largely have to do with the family.

Which of the following provides an explanation for how people learn to commit crime from those around them?

Edwin Sutherland is credited with neutralization theory.

_____ argues that individuals who have invested time and effort into legitimate endeavors have a stake in conformity,and will therefore be less likely to engage in crime.

Negative reinforcement makes a behavior more likely to be repeated in the future.

Identify and explain the five techniques of neutralization according to Sykes and Matza's work.Provide one example of each.

All versions of social control theory have been criticized for neglecting social structure.

According to Gottfredson and Hirschi,most criminals:

Social process theorists believe that if we wish to understand social behavior,we have to understand how individuals subjectively perceive their social reality.

According to social bond theory,commitment refers to a lifestyle in which one has invested considerable time and energy in the pursuit of a lawful career,rendering much at stake if they were to engage in crime.

Identify the four elements of social bond according to Travis Hirschi's theory.Provide examples of each type of bond.Finally,consider the policy implications of this theory-how might society work to strengthen each of the four bonds?

Labeling theory argues that processing law violators through the criminal justice system may actually embed individuals further into a criminal lifestyle,rather than having a deterrent effect.

An offender arrested for shoplifting states: "The store is owned by a huge company; they wouldn't have even noticed this loss." This is reflective of:

Describe both differential association theory and social learning theory.Compare and contrast-what do the two theories have in common,and how do they differ?

Identify and explain two techniques of neutralization. Answers: Possibilities: Denial of responsibility (claims it was not their fault); denial of injury (suggests no harm was done); denial of victim (suggests that victim deserved it); condemnation of the condemners (claims the accuser is as bad as they are); appeal to higher loyalties (crime was necessary to protect someone of greater importance to them than the law).

_____ shifts the focus from the actor (the criminal)to the reactor (i.e.,the criminal justice system)in exploring the causes of crime.

Differential association theory is the brainchild of criminologist _____.

_____ is a perspective on learning that asserts that behavior is governed and shaped by consequences.

Which of the following is a valid critique of labeling theory?

_____ refers to the acceptance of social norms regulating conduct.