Is Criminal Behavior Learned?
The age-old question of whether criminal behavior is innate or learned has been a topic of debate among sociologists, criminologists, and psychologists for centuries. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the argument that criminal behavior is indeed learned.
The Early Debate
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the debate between nature and nurture was largely divided between biological determinists, who believed that criminal behavior was innate, and social determinists, who argued that criminal behavior was shaped by environmental factors. Auguste Comte, the founder of sociology, and Cesare Lombroso, a prominent Italian criminologist, were early proponents of the biological determinist perspective.
Early Theories of Learning and Crime
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, social learning theory began to emerge as a promising explanation for criminal behavior. This theory posits that individuals learn criminal behavior through observation, imitation, and reinforcement. Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, also emphasized the role of environmental factors in shaping criminal behavior. His theory of psychological development suggested that unresolved childhood conflicts and repressed desires can lead to deviant behavior.
Post-War Developments and the Emergence of Positive Criminology
The post-World War II period saw a significant shift in the way criminologists understood criminal behavior. The emergence of positivist criminology, led by pioneers such as Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham, emphasized the role of biology and psychology in shaping criminal behavior. However, by the 1960s and 1970s, the dominant perspective in criminology began to shift towards radical criminology, which stressed the importance of social and economic factors in shaping criminal behavior.
Contemporary Theories and Findings
In recent years, the debate over whether criminal behavior is learned has gained renewed attention. Contemporary criminological theories, such as control theory and strains theory, continue to emphasize the importance of social and environmental factors in shaping criminal behavior. Research has also highlighted the role of parent-child relationships, neighborhood effects, and subcultural influences in shaping an individual’s propensity for criminal behavior.
Evidence for the Learning Thesis
Despite the complexity and diversity of criminal behavior, the overwhelming majority of criminological research suggests that criminal behavior is indeed learned. Studies have shown that:
• Juvenile delinquency rates are higher among young people from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, where criminal behavior may be modeled and reinforced. (See Table 1)
| Socioeconomic Status | Juvenile Delinquency Rate |
|---|---|
| Low | 35.6% |
| Middle | 15.8% |
| High | 6.3% |
• Peer groups and social networks play a significant role in shaping an individual’s criminal behavior, with research showing that friends and family can influence an individual’s attitude towards crime.
• Media exposure can also contribute to the learning of criminal behavior, with studies demonstrating that exposure to violent and criminal behavior on television and in video games is associated with increased aggression and violent behavior.
Counterarguments and Criticisms
Despite the strong empirical evidence supporting the learning thesis, there are some limitations and criticisms to consider:
• Individual differences in temperament, intelligence, and other biological factors can influence an individual’s likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior.
• Socialization by family, education, and employment can mitigate the influence of environmental factors on criminal behavior.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the evidence overwhelmingly suggests that criminal behavior is learned. While biological and psychological factors may also play a role, the vast majority of criminological research suggests that criminal behavior is shaped by environmental and social factors, including parent-child relationships, neighborhood effects, and subcultural influences. A comprehensive understanding of criminal behavior must therefore take into account the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors that shape an individual’s propensity for criminal behavior.
References:
- Hirschi, T. (1969). The causes of crime: A review of the literature. In S. M. Miller & B. W. White (Eds.), Criminology and sociology (pp. 21-56). New York: Ronald Press.
- Wolfgang, M. E., Figlio, R. M., & Sellin, T. (1972). Delinquency in a birth cohort. University of Chicago Press.
- Akers, R. L. (1990). Studying social life: Qualitative methods in sociology. Pine Forge Press.
- Sutherland, E. H. (1947). Principles of criminology. Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology, 48(5), 539-545.
