Research Catalog

Title

Social learning and social structure : a general theory of crime and deviance / Ronald L. Akers.

Author

Akers, Ronald L.

Publication

Boston : Northeastern University Press, ©1998.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Description

xx, 420 pages : illustrations; 25 cm

Summary

The social learning theory of crime integrates Edwin H. Sutherland's differential association theory with behavioral learning theory. It is a widely accepted and applied approaches to criminal and deviant behavior. However, it is also widely misinterpreted, misstated, and misapplied. This is the first single volume, in-depth, authoritative discussion of the background, concepts, development, modifications, and empirical tests of social learning theory. Akers begins with a personal account of Sutherland's involvement in criminology and the origins of his influential perspective. He then traces the intellectual history of Sutherland's theory as well as social learning theory, providing a comprehensive explanation of how each theory approaches illegal behavior. Akers reviews research on various correlates and predictors of crime and delinquency that may be used as operational measures of differential association, reinforcement, and other social learning concepts. Akers proposes a new, integrated theory of social learning and social structure that links group differences in crime to individual conduct. He concludes with a cogent discussion of the implications of social learning theory for criminology and public policy.

Subject

• Deviant behavior
• Criminal behavior
• Social learning
• Social structure
• Criminals
• social structure
• Criminal behavior
• Deviant behavior
• Social learning
• Social structure
• Kriminalität
• Abweichendes Verhalten
• Criminaliteit
• Afwijkend gedrag
• Sociaal leren
• Psychologische aspecten

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references (p. 373-413) and index.

Contents

A personal history of the development of social learning theory -- Development and revisions of differential association theory -- The social learning theory of criminal and deviant behavior -- Social learning and cultural deviance theory -- Research on social learning variables in crime and delinquency -- Social learning variables in delinquency prevention -- Adolescent drug and drinking behavior : the Boys Town study -- Adolescent smoking behavior : the Iowa study -- Elderly drinking behavior : the Florida study -- Rape and sexual aggression -- Other studies on social learning --Social structure and social learning in crime and deviance.

ISBN

• 1555533108
• 9781555533106

LCCN

97010291

OCLC

• ocm36557052
• 36557052
• SCSB-9054375

Owning Institutions

Princeton University Library