Learning

Question 1

cultural deviance models - Downes and Rock

Answer 1

claimed that Merton’s Strain is the “big bang” theory

CRIME IS A RESULT OF SOCIALIZATION

Question 2

Sutherland and Cressey

Answer 2

1. criminal behaviour = learned
2. criminal behaviours learned through communication
3. principle teachers of crime are intimate/personal groups
4. learning consists of… a) technique of committing, b) specific directions of motives/rationalizations
5. legal codes and what is (un)favourable
6. MOST delinquency is caused by excessive definitions of a law violation
   7. differential association varies in frequency, duration, priority and intensity
7. same principles as any other type of learning
8. deviance is NOT explained by needs/values - we all have them

Question 3

Matza’s idea

Answer 3

subculture of delinquency is not a deviant subculture - it is a fact of life

Question 4

Kornhauser’s criticism of learning theory

Answer 4

1. assumes people have no nature
2. assumes socialization is perfect and complete
3. sub/cultural variability is limitless

Question 5

punishment strategies

Answer 5

imitative control: big brothers/sisters
group unlearning: AA
operant psychology: modification techniques
aversion therapy: shock therapy, succinylcholine (suppression of breathing)

Question 6

problems within learning theory (pretty much the same as Kornhauser)

Answer 6

deterministic learning
neglects to acknowledge nature/disposition of people
HOW exactly do we learn???
limitless subcultures