Analysis of Gang Resistance Education and Training Crime Prevention Program

individual within a gang, could be related to a belief that aggression produces reinforcement (Isom, 1998). The reinforcements identified could be reduced tension, financial gain, or praise from others. Bandura remained true to his belief that aggression was learned behavior and was influenced by family, friends, media, and the environment (Bandura, 1975).
One of the most popular arguments supporting the application of Bandura’s social learning theory is the debate on what influence violent video games have on children and their level of aggression. If this is truly applicable, then possibility exists that by cleaning up what children are watching on television, listening to on the radio, and playing on gaming consoles would be beneficial in lowering crime rates related to youths and gangs. Other research shows that empirical studies of social processing theories support that families where a parent or guardian abuses alcohol have children with a higher tendencies in antisocial behavior (McShane & Williams, 2003). The same families are those who show low levels of social support, little to no monitoring of children, inconsistent disciplinary practices, high levels of conflict within the household, and lack of closeness within the family (McShane & Williams, 2003). Esbensen and Weerman (2005) identify the indicators of social learning theory as peer delinquency, peer pressure, and moral attitudes or disengagements.
Social Control Theory

Social control theory is almost a complete opposite view of social learning. While social learning theory suggests that a person models his or her behaviors from another person, social control theory states that “most people stay out of trouble because of their bond to society’s norm such as the family, school, work, and church” (Tshiwula, 1998, p 22). Social learning theory feeds off the lack of bonds between family and friends with a positive influence; however, social control theory focuses on how having positive bonds, attachments, and involvement prevents an

 

 

 

Previous Page / Next Page