Social Learning Theory - an Evaulation

Evaluation

The SLT is a good general theory for explaining criminality. Overall, Sutherland rejected individual processes, which in a way shifted the 'blame' off of the individual which instead he put onto the social disorganisation of a group. He claimed the organisation of a group affected crime rates and could explain the prevalence of crime in certain areas, especially urban areas with high crime rates. His theory can also explain the crimes of both the rich and the poor, which many theories before it had not been able to do or did not try to do. His theory is also supported by classical and operant conditioning, as people may associate criminal actions with getting a reward and be reinforced by their actions. A study of 1,153 newly convicted criminals claimed that the SLT is a good general theory to explain criminality, especially in males. However, the theory does not come without flaws. By rejecting individual explanations, Sutherland also ignored any possible biological, psychological or mental illness and cognitive processes behind crimes. This is a major factor of criminality that is being rejected in this theory. Also, in the Bobo doll study by Bandura, the doll was designed to be hit and pop back up again. The children may have copied the violent behaviour towards the doll just because they thought it was funny - not because it was violent behaviour. This suggests that people, especially adolescents, may copy criminal behaviour because they think it looks fun, not because for the sake of it. The theory can also not explain any individual type of crimes that seem to not take much influence from others, such as embezzlement. A study from Matseuda stated that there needed to be more research into the theory for it to be validated.