social learning theories of violence

Overview: Social learning theories posit that violent behavior is learned through social interactions, similar to many other behaviors.

Mechanisms of Learning:
- Observation: Individuals learn techniques, motivations, and rationalizations for violence by observing and imitating others (e.g., friends, family, role models).
- Role Models: Bad role models can contribute to the normalization of violent behavior, particularly in environments where violence is prevalent.
- Reinforcement:
  - Positive Reinforcement: Engaging in violent behavior can lead to rewards (e.g., money from robbery or feelings of power).
  - Gang Context: Violence becomes normalized within gangs, with older members promoting attitudes that favor violence.
Gang Violence:
- Nature of Gangs: Gangs often prioritize violence as a means to achieve goals such as protection and maintenance of reputation.
- Initiation Rituals: Participation in violence (e.g., killing someone) may be required for gang initiation, reinforcing violent norms.
Low Self-Control Theory:
- Self-Control Development: Low self-control often results from poor parenting and supervision during formative years (e.g., before age 8).
- Traits Linked to Low Self-Control:
  - Impulsivity
  - Insensitivity
  - Risk-taking
  - Lack of foresight regarding consequences of actions.
Impact on Violence:
- Adequate self-control is associated with the inhibition of aggression and less displacement of violence.
- Research Links:
  - Low self-control may correlate with factors such as sleep deprivation, which is associated with incidences of violent crime occurring late at night.
Domestic and Family Violence:
- Research has used self-control theory to explain family violence.
- Self-Control Strength Model:
  - Strong self-control leads to enhanced social well-being and family safety.
  - Stress factors (e.g., poverty, distrust, relationship conflicts) can decrease self-control and contribute to family violence.