Social Structure and Learning Theories in Criminology
Social learning theory, developed by Bandura, emphasizes how criminal behavior is learned through observation and imitation. The famous Bobo doll experiment demonstrated how rewards and punishments influence behavioral imitation.
Quote: "Crime is a logical response to inequality and economic deprivation" - Marxist criminological perspective
Marxist theory explains crime through social structure, arguing that capitalist society creates conditions for criminal behavior through:
- Economic inequality driving property crime
- Consumerism promoting materialistic values
- Selective law enforcement targeting working classes
- Media manipulation of crime statistics
Strain theory complements these perspectives by explaining how societal pressure to achieve success, combined with limited legitimate means, can lead to criminal behavior. Merton's five responses to strain Conformity,Innovation,Ritualism,Retreatism,andRebellion provide a framework for understanding different criminal adaptations.