Social Learning Theory and the Explanation of Crime: A Guide for the New Century (Advances in Criminological Theory) [Hardcover]

Ronald L. Akers (Editor), Gary F. Jensen (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0765801337 | ISBN-13: 978-0765801333 | Publication Date: October 2, 2002

Social learning theory has recently been called perhaps the dominant theory of crime and delinquency in the United States. Yet the theory is often misrepresented. Some equate it with differential association theory. Others depict it as little more than a micro-level appendage to cultural deviance theories. There have been earlier attempts to clarify the theory's unique features in comparison to other theories, and others have applied it to broader issues. These efforts are extended in this volume, which focuses on developing, applying, and testing the theory on a variety of criminal and delinquent behaviors. Chapter 1, "Macro-Micro Transitions in Criminological Theory: Taking Social Learning Global," addresses these transitions, linking social learning with macro-level, ecological or global theories. Chapters 2 and 3, "Substance Use by Korean Adolescents" and "Explaining Delinquency in Taiwan," discusses the application of social learning theory to delinquency in other cultures. Chapter 4, "Social Learning and Binge Drinking among Universities," explores the learning processes relevant to differences among universities in levels of student binge drinking. Chapter 5, "Delinquency and Depression: A Role-Taking and Social Learning Perspective," chapter 6, "A Social Learning Theory of Courtship Violence: An Empirical Test," and chapter 7, "Who's It Gonna Be-You or Me? The Potential of Social Learning Theory to Expand the Explanatory Power of the Integrated Homicide-Suicide Theory," explain gender variations in types of deviance. Chapter 8, "Development of Antisocial Behavior Across the Life-Span from a Social Interactionist Perspective: The Coercion Model," links micro-level learning processes to structured variations across the life-span. It explains the relative dominance of different types of learning mechanisms (negative vs. positive reinforcement) at different stages of development. Chapter 9, "Exploring the Relationship between Social and Non-Social Reinforcement in the Context of Social Learning Theory, " attempts to untangle these distinct learning processes. Chapter 10, "The Fence: The Qualitative Case History and Differential Association/Social Learning Theory," applies social organiation-differential association theory to understanding the life history of a career offender. Chapter 11, "What Correctional Treatment Can Tell Us About Criminological Theory," reviews the applicability of social learning principles to correctional treatment programs.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Overall, this is a good book. It is well edited and written and it presents some interesting arguments and evidence that stimulate much thought. Most criminologists and students of deviance will need to consult it. Moreover, it can help solidify the position of social learning theory within the community of scholars." -Charles R. Tittle, North Carolina State University

"[Social Learning Theory and the Explanation of Crime] is a good book. It is well edited and written and it presents some interesting arguments and evidence that stimulate much thought. Most criminologists and students of deviance will need to consult it. Moreover, it can help solidify the position of social learning theory within the community."

—Charles R. Tittle, Contemporary Sociology  

About the Author

Ronald L. Akers is professor of criminology and sociology in the Department of Criminology, Law and Society, University of Florida. He is the author of Crime, Law and Sanctions: Theoretical Perspectives, Deviant Behavior: A Social Learning Approach, Social Learning and Social Structure: A General Theory of Crime and Deviance, and Criminological Theories: Introduction, Evaluation, and Application.

Gary Jensen is professor of sociology at Vanderbilt University. He is author, co-author, or editor of five books, including a textbook on Delinquency and Youth Crime.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 379 pages
• Publisher: Transaction Publishers (October 2, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0765801337
• ISBN-13: 978-0765801333
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,149,850 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)