Social Process Theories

Social Process Theories

  • Focus on the relationship between individuals and society.

  • Key Idea: Crime is influenced by social processes and interactions.

Sociological Lenses

  • Importance of applying sociological perspectives to understand behaviors, especially criminal acts.

  • Links between crime and sociological factors.

Sociological Theories of Crime

  1. Interactionist Perspective

    • Crime results from the dynamic between individuals and society.

  2. Structural Conflict Theory

    • Crime arises from an individual’s social location.

  3. Group Conflict Theory

    • Crime emerges from conflicts between different interest groups.

Understanding Crime

  • Crime as an outcome of various social processes.

Social Processes**

  • Emphasis on interactions within society, where socialization occurs through relationships.

  • Key components of socialization:

    • Families

    • Peer Groups

    • Schools

    • Churches or other organized groups

Real-World Application: Case Study of Nour-Eldin

  • Background: Conservative Muslim family facing financial instability and racism.

  • Analysis of early support from parents contrasted with negative influences from peer drug use leading to criminal behavior.

Interactive Activities

  • Heads Up! Activity: Class exercise involving peers treating each other according to unseen labels.

  • Debriefing: Reflection on feelings and experiences during the activity.

Discussion Points on Labelling

  • Media’s role in creating and perpetuating labels.

  • Effects of labels on behavior and societal perceptions.

  • Discussions on the implications of accessing criminal records for employment.

Social Reaction (Labelling) Theory

  • Labels can act as self-fulfilling prophecies, leading individuals to embody the label.

Labelling Theory Overview

  • Individuals may accept criminal labeling, internalizing it as their identity.

Case Studies of Labelling: Corey Batey vs. Brock Turner

  • Examination of disparate treatment in labeling and sentencing of similar crimes based on social status and power.

Critiques of Labelling Theories

  • Questions around the action of labelling and its consequences.

Social Learning Theory

  • Crime and behavior learned from social interactions and modeling.

Differential Association Theory (DAT)

  • Crime is a learned behavior influenced by interactions within intimate personal groups.

  • Focuses on how criminal norms and reactions to them are absorbed.

Critiques of Learning Theories

  • Inadequacies in addressing spontaneous criminal behaviors or the role of substance abuse.

Affluenza Case Study

  • Explores the concept of affluenza: privilege leading to a lack of understanding of consequences due to upbringing.

Social Control Theory Overview

  • Most people renounce crime due to social norms and bonds that dictate behavior.

  • Internal and external controls shape compliance with sociocultural rules.

Hirschi’s Social Control Theory Elements

  1. Attachment: Bonds with family/community keeping individuals aligned with societal norms.

  2. Commitment: Investment in conventional goals leading to a reluctance to deviate.

  3. Involvement: Participation in accepted activities reduces opportunities for deviance.

  4. Beliefs: Internalization of societal norms ensures compliance.

Critiques of Social Control Theory

  • Complexity of interpersonal relationships and involvement.

  • Questioning causal relationships between weak bonds and criminal behavior.

Summary of Social Control Theory

  • Evaluates the links between social bonds and criminal activity.

  • Proposes that a strong sense of self and community serves as a barrier against crime.