Learning Theories The Sociological Social Psychology of Deviance

Learning Theories The (Sociological) Social Psychology of Deviance

Differential Association � Edwin Sutherland ◦ Two main assumptions �Deviance happens when a person defines a situation as the right time �Definitions reflect social background

Differential Association � In association with others, one: ◦ Learns to define situation as right time ◦ Masters necessary skills & techniques ◦ Acquires necessary motives, rationalizations

Modification/Additions to Differential Association � Robert Burgess & Ronald Akers ◦ Differential Reinforcement �Operant conditioning �Behavioral Psychology �R-S-R �Reinforcements �Positive (get what you want) �Negative (don’t get what you don’t want)

Modification/Additions to Differential Association �Punishments �Positive (something happens to you) �Negative (something you value is taken away) � Gresham Sykes & David Matza ◦ Techniques of neutralization �Denial of responsibility �Denial of injury �Denial of victim �Condemning the condemners �Appeal to higher loyalties

Social Control in Learning Theories � Preventative ◦ Socialization � Correction Learning (“Un-learning”) ◦ Youth programs ◦ Group correction �Self-help groups �AA

Social Control in Learning Theories �Synanon ◦ Token economies

Social Control in Learning Theories ◦ Aversive therapies �Disulfiram �Succinylcholine

Considerations about/Criticisms of Learning Theories � Still influential ◦ Recent themes: �Deviant careers �“Becoming” � Shortcomings ◦ Abuse potential ◦ Ignores choice ◦ Ignores larger context