Bandura’s Social Learning Theory (SLT) describes and explains criminal behaviour in terms of modelling. It means that behaviour is observed through watching others (this can be through the media) and then replicated by the observer.
Four cognitive processes are required for us to do this:
- Attention – we must watch the model
- Retention – we must remember the behaviour
- Reproduction – we must be capable of reproducing the behaviour
- Motivation – there must be a desire to imitate the behaviour
Criminal behaviours can be seen directly in real life, or indirectly via the media, to allow for retention and reproduction. This is the cognitive element of the theory, so it can be hard to prove a link between observation and imitation, especially when it’s observed through the media because it may emerge later, rather than being copied immediately.
Bandura proposed that there are 3 factors that determine if we decide to copy a model’s behaviour:
- Vicarious reinforcement – learning from the rewards and punishments given to others. Successful criminals are more likely to be imitated – the reward is more successful than punishment. Victimless crimes are more likely to be copied.
- External motivation – if it is directly rewarded then there is more motivation for it to be continued
- Self-reinforcement – a behaviour is more reinforcing and motivating if it fulfils an external need, like adrenaline
Modelling refers to a behaviour being demonstrated as well as the behaviour having been reproduced. Models are more likely to be imitated if they are the same gender, powerful, popular or successful.
Reinforcement increases the chance of a behaviour being repeated, whether it’s positive (gives something pleasurable like financial or material gain) or negative (removes something unpleasant like financial hardship). Punishment (giving something unpleasant) reduces the chance of a behaviour being repeated.
SLT suggests that some people commit crimes because of an association with someone else – it has social aspects as well as behaviourist and cognitive ones.