Individualistic Theories Of Criminality - Exam Questions

Question 1

Describe an individualistic theory of criminality- Bandura’s social learning theory [6 marks]

Answer 1

• Based on the assumption that offending is a set of behaviours that are learned in the same way as other behaviours, through observational and vicarious reinforcement.
• Studies emphasise the family and peer group as a potential source of criminality (Osborne and West).
• Includes observational learning, for example imitation of role models and experiments such as bobo doll.
• If you witness others committing a crime and they don’t recieve any punishment for doing so, it may encourage to model the behaviour as you have motivation.
• LINKS TO CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR RATHER THAN BEHAVIOUR IN GENERAL.

Question 2

Evaluate the effectiveness of Banduras social learning theory in explaining the causes of criminality [6 marks]

Answer 2

+ There is research evidence to back up the SLT by Bandura where children imitated an aggressive role model

+ Demonstrates the rise of the media in encouraging violence, therefore had led to censorship and ratings being applied to video games & films

+Supports the nurture side of the debate but also highlights the nature side where the boys were more aggressive than the girls (possible due to testosterone)

• Doesn’t include biological factors e.g: genetic predisposition
• Doesn’t relate to all crimes
• Research raises ethical issues of psychological harm & lack of consent

Question 3

Describe an individualistic theory of criminality- Freud [6 marks]

Answer 3

• This theory is based the notion that an individual’s early childhood experience influences the likelihood for committing future crimes.
• Imperative to this theory are the three elements or structures that make up the human personality: the ID (concerned with instant gratification of instinctive drives); the EGO (acts as a middle man for the superego and ID- balances need for gratification and being moral. The ego is guided by the reality principle); and the SUPEREGO (concerned with morals and values).
• Psychodynamic theory suggests that crime is caused by the superego weakly developed (less guilt; ID more dominant), superego overly harsh (high levels of guilt, punishment to satisfy it, commit crime) and superego is deviant (child believes crime is a norm).