Skip to main content

The Social Learning Theory of Crime and Deviance

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Book cover Handbook on Crime and Deviance

Social learning theory is a general theory of criminal and deviant behaviors that has found consistent and robust empirical support for more than four decades (see Gottfredson & Hirschi, 1990; Hirschi, 1969). The generality and validity of the theory has through those years become increasingly recognized. In a recent major compilation on the status of criminological theory, social learning theory along with control theories (Akers & Jensen, 2006; Akers & Sellers, 2009) and strain theories (Agnew, 1992, 2006) were placed as the “core” theories in the field (Cullen, Wright, & Blevins, 2006). Moreover, according to the latest survey of criminologists, social learning theory is the most frequently endorsed explanation of both minor delinquent and serious criminal behavior (Ellis, Johnathon, & Walsh et al., 2008).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 89.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 119.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    This version of social learning theory is an integration of Sutherland’s (1947) sociological theory of differential association and behavioral principles of conditioning and reinforcement from psychology originally formulated by Robert Burgess and Ronald L. Akers (1966) as “differential association-reinforcement” theory and as it has been developed since then by Akers and others (see Akers, 1973, 1985, 1998; Akers, Krohn, Lanza-Kaduce, & Radosevich, 1979; Akers & Sellers, 2004; Jensen & Akers, 2003). It is this social learning theory of crime and deviance that is typically referred to in criminology and sociology of deviance. However, it should be noted that social learning principles have been used to explain criminal and delinquent behavior as well as applied to treatment and prevention by other social behaviorists working with explanatory models that are compatible with and similar to social learning theory as reviewed here (see Andrews & Bonta, 2003; Patterson, Reid, & Dishion, 1992).

References

  • Agnew, R. (1992). Foundation for a general strain theory of crime and delinquency. Criminology, 30, 47–87.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Agnew, R. (2006). Pressured into crime: An overview of general strain theory. Los Angeles: Roxbury.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akers, R. L. (1973). Deviant behavior: A social learning approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akers, R. L. (1977). Deviant behavior: A social learning approach. 2nd ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akers, R. L. (1985). Deviant behavior: A social learning approach. 3rd ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akers, R. L. (1998). Social learning and social structure: A general theory of crime and deviance. Boston, MA: Northeastern University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akers, R. L., & Cochran, J. K. (1985). Adolescent marijuana use: A test of three theories of deviant behavior. Deviant Behavior, 6, 323–346.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Akers, R. L., & Jennings, W. G. (2009). Social learning theory. In J. M. Miller (Ed.), 21st century criminology: A reference handbook. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akers, R. L., & Jensen, G. F. (2006). The empirical status of social learning theory of crime and deviance: The past, present, and future. In. F. T. Cullen, J. P. Wright, & K. R. Blevins (Eds.), Taking stock: The status of criminological theory. New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akers, R. L., Krohn, M. D., Lanza-Kaduce, L., & Radosevich, M. (1979). Social learning and deviant behavior: A specific test of a general theory. American Sociological Review, 44, 636–655.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Akers, R. L., La Greca, A. J., Cochran, J., & Sellers, C. (1989). Social learning theory and alcohol behavior among the elderly. Sociological Quarterly, 30, 625–638.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Akers, R. L., Lane, J., & Lanza-Kaduce, L. (2008). Faith-based mentoring and restorative justice: Overlapping theoretical, empirical, and philosophical background. In H. V. Miller (Ed.), Restorative justice: From theory to practice. Sociology of Crime, Law and Deviance, Vol. 11 (pp. 136–166). United Kingdom: Elsevier.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akers, R. L., & Lee, G. (1996). A longitudinal test of social learning theory: Adolescent smoking. Journal of Drug Issues, 26, 317–343.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akers, R. L., & Sellers, C. S. (2004). Criminological theories: Introduction, evaluation, and application. 4th ed. Los Angeles: Roxbury Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akers, R. L., & Sellers, C. S. (2009). Criminological theories: Introduction, evaluation, and application. 5th ed. Los Angeles: Roxbury Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akers, R. L., & Silverman, A. (2004). Toward a social learning model of violence and terrorism. In M. A. Zahn, H. H. Brownstein, & S. L. Jackson (Eds.), Violence: From theory to research (pp. 19–35). Cincinnati, OH: LexisNexis-Anderson Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Andrews, D. A., & Bonta, J. (2003). The psychology of criminal conduct. 3rd ed. Cincinnati, OH: Anderson Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bandura, A. (1973). Aggression: A social learning analysis. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. New York: General Learning Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bandura, A. (1979). Social learning theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bandura, A. (1990). Mechanisms of moral disengagement. In W. Reich (Ed.), Origins of terrorism: Psychologies, ideologies, theologies, and states of mind (pp. 161–191). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bandura, A., & Walters, R. (1963). Social learning and personality development. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston.

    Google Scholar 

  • Battin, S. R., Hill, K. G., Abbott, R. D., Catalano, R. F., & Hawkins, J. D. (1998). The contribution of gang membership to delinquency beyond delinquent friends. Criminology, 36, 93–115.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Batton, C., & Ogle, R. S. (2003). ‘Who’s it gonna be–you or me?’ The potential of social learning for integrated homicide-suicide theory. In R. L. Akers & G. F. Jensen (Eds.), Social learning theory and the explanation of crime: A guide for the new century. Advances in Criminological Theory, Vol. 11 (pp. 85–108). New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bellair, P. E., Roscigno, V. J., & Velez, M. B. (2003). Occupational structure, social learning, and adolescent violence. In R. L. Akers & G. F. Jensen (Eds.), Social learning theory and the explanation of crime: A guide for the new century. Advances in criminological theory, Vol. 11 (pp. 197–226). New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Benda, B. B. (1994). Testing competing theoretical concepts: Adolescent alcohol-consumption. Deviant Behavior, 15, 375–396.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boeringer, S., Shehan, C. L., & Akers, R. L. (1991). Social contexts and social learning in sexual coercion and aggression: Assessing the contribution of fraternity membership. Family Relations, 40, 558–564.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Botvin, G., Baker, E., Dusenbury, L., Botvin, E., & Diaz, T. (1995). Long-term follow-up results of a randomized drug-abuse prevention trial in a white middle class population. Journal of the American Medical Association, 273, 1106–1112.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brezina, T., & Piquero, A. R. (2003). Exploring the relationship between social and non-social reinforcement in the context of social learning theory. In R. L. Akers & G. F. Jensen (Eds.), Social learning theory and the explanation of crime: A guide for the new century. Advances in criminological theory, Vol. 11 (pp. 265–288). New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, E. C., Catalano, R. F., Fleming, C. B., Haggerty, K. P., & Abbott, R. D. (2005). Adolescent substance use outcomes in the Raising Health Children Project: A two-part latent growth curve analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 73, 699–710.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bruinsma, G. J. (1992). Differential association theory reconsidered: An extension and its empirical test. Journal of Quantitative Criminology, 8, 29–49.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burgess, R. L., & Akers, R. L. (1966). A differential association-reinforcement theory of criminal behavior. Social Problems, 14, 128–147.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burton, V. S., Cullen, F. T., Evans, T. L., & Dunaway, R. G. (1994). Reconsidering strain theory: Operationalization, rival theories, and adult criminality. Journal of Quantitative Criminology, 10, 213–239.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chamberlain, P., Fisher, P. A., & Moore, K. (2002) Multidimensional treatment foster care: Applications of the OSLC intervention model to high risk youth and their families. In J. B. Reid, G. R. Patterson, & J. Snyder (Eds.), Antisocial behavior in children and adolescents: A developmental analysis and model for intervention (pp. 203–218). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Chappell, A. T., & Piquero, A. R. (2004). Applying social learning theory to police misconduct. Deviant Behavior, 25, 89–108.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cressey, D. R. (1953). Other people’s money. Glencoe, IL: Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cressey, D. R. (1960). Epidemiology and individual conduct: A case from criminology. Pacific Sociological Review, 3, 47–58.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cullen, F. T., Wright, J. P., & Blevins, K. R. (Eds.). (2006). Taking stock: The status of criminological theory. New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cullen, F. T., Wright, J. P., Gendreau, P., & Andrews, D. A. (2003). What correctional treatment can tell us about criminological theory: Implications for social learning theory. In R. L. Akers & G. F. Jensen (Eds.), Social learning theory and the explanation of crime: A guide for the new century. Advances in criminological theory, Vol. 11 (pp. 339–362). New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dishion, T. J., Patterson, G. R., & Kavanagh, K. A. (1992). An experimental test of the coercion model: Linking theory, measurement, and intervention. In J. McCord & R. E. Tremblay (Eds.), Preventing antisocial behavior: Interventions from birth through adolescence (pp. 253–282). New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eddy, J. M., & Chamberlain, P. (2000). Family management and deviant peer association as mediators of the impact of treatment condition on youth antisocial behavior. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology,68, 857–863.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, L., Johnathon A. C., & Walsh, A. (2008). Criminologists’ opinions about causes and theories of crime and delinquency: A follow-up. The Criminologist, 33 (May/June), 23–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, R., & Sowers, S. (2001). Juvenile justice practice: A cross-disciplinary approach to intervention. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gendreau P., & Smith, P. (2006). The theory of effective correctional intervention: Empirical status and future directions. In F. T. Cullen, J. P. Wright, & K. R. Blevins (Eds.), Taking stock: The status of criminological theory. Advances in criminological theory, Vol. 15 (pp. 419–446). New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gottfredson, M., & Hirschi, T. (1990). A general theory of crime. Palo Alto, CA: Stanford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hall, S. (2003). Faith-based cognitive programs in corrections. Corrections Today, 65, 108--137.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins, J. D., Catalano, R. F., & Arthur, M. (2002). Promoting science-based prevention in communities. Addictive Behaviors, 90, 1–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins, J. D., Catalano, R. F., Kosterman, R., Abbott, R., & Hill, K. G. (1999). Preventing adolescent health-risk behaviors by strengthening protection during childhood. Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, 153, 226–234.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins, J. D., Kosterman, R., Catalano, R.F., Hill, K.G., & Abbott, R.D. (2005). Promoting positive adult functioning through social development intervention in childhood: Long-term effects from the Seattle Social Development Project. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 159, 25–31.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haynie, D. L. (2002). Friendship networks and delinquency: The relative nature of peer delinquency. Journal of Quantitative Criminology, 18, 99–134.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haynie, D. L., Silver, E., & Teasdale, B. (2006). Neighborhood characteristics, peer networks, and adolescent violence. Journal of Quantitative Criminology, 22, 147–169.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hewitt, J. P., & Stokes, R. (1975). Disclaimers. American Sociological Review, 40, 1–11.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hirschi, T. (1969). The causes of delinquency. Berkeley, CA: The University of California Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoffman, K. L., Kiecolt, K. J., & Edwards, J. (2005). Physical violence between siblings: A theoretical and empirical analysis. Journal of Family Issues, 26, 1103–1130.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holland-Davis, L. (2006). Putting behavior in context: A test of the social structure social learning model. PhD dissertation. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hwang, S., & Akers, R. L. (2003). Substance use by Korean adolescents: A cross-cultural test of social learning, social bonding, and self-control theories. In R. L. Akers & G. F. Jensen (Eds.), Social learning theory and the explanation of crime: A guide for the new century. Advances in criminological theory, Vol. 11 (pp. 39–64). New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hwang, S., & Akers, R. L. (2006). Parental and peer influences on adolescent drug use in Korea. Asian Journal of Criminology, 1, 51–69.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jennings, W. G., Gover, A. R., & Hitchcock, D. M. (2008). Localizing restorative justice: An in-depth look at a Denver public school program. In H. V. Miller (Ed.), Sociology of Crime, Law, and Deviance, Vol. 11 (pp. 167–187). Bingley, UK: JAI Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jensen, G. F., & Akers, R. L. (2003). Taking social learning global: Micro-macro transitions in criminological theory. In R. L. Akers & G. F. Jensen (Eds.), Social learning theory and the explanation of crime: A guide for the new century. Advances in criminological theory, Vol. 11 (pp. 9–38). New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krohn, M. D., Skinner, W. F., Massey, J. L., & Akers, R. L. (1985). Social learning theory and adolescent cigarette smoking. Social Problems, 32, 455–473.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Landenberger, N. A., & Lipsey, M. (2005). The positive effects of cognitive behavioral programs for offenders: A meta-analysis of factors associated with effective treatment. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 1, 457–476.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lanza-Kaduce, L., Akers, R. L., Krohn, M. D., & Radosevich, M. (1984). Cessation of alcohol and drug use among adolescents: A social learning model. Deviant Behavior, 5, 79–96.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lauritsen, J. L. (1993). Sibling resemblance in juvenile delinquency: Findings from the National Youth Survey. Criminology, 31, 387–409.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, G., Akers, R. L., & Borg, M. (2004). Social learning and structural factors in adolescent substance use. Western Criminology Review, 5, 17–34.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lösel, F. (1995). The efficacy of correctional treatment: A review and synthesis of meta evaluations. In J. McGuire (Ed.), What works: Reducing reoffending, guidelines from research and practice (pp. 79–111). New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lösel, F. (2007). Counterblast: The prison overcrowding crisis and some constructive perspectives for crime policy. The Howard Journal of Criminal Justice, 46, 512–519.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lyman, S. M., & Scott, M. B. (1970). A sociology of the absurd. 2nd ed. Dix Hills, NJ: General Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • McCord, J. (1991). Family relationships, juvenile delinquency, and adult criminality. Criminology, 29, 397–417.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McGloin, J. M., Pratt, T. C., & Maahs, J. (2004). Rethinking the IQ-delinquency relationship: A longitudinal analysis of multiple theoretical models. Justice Quarterly, 21, 603–635.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, H. V., Jennings, W. G., Alvarez-Rivera, L. L., & Miller, J. M. (2008). Explaining substance use among Puerto Rican adolescents: A partial test of social learning theory. Journal of Drug Issues, 38, 261–284.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Neff, J. L. & Waite, D. E. (2007). Male versus female substance abuse patterns among incarcerated juvenile offenders: Comparing strain and social learning variables. Justice Quarterly, 24, 106–132.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Patterson, G. R. (1975). Families: Applications of social learning to family life. Champaign, IL: Research Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Patterson, G. R., & Chamberlain, P. (1994). A functional analysis of resistance during parent training therapy. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 1, 53–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Patterson, G. R., Debaryshe, B. D, & Ramsey, E. (1989). A developmental perspective on antisocial behavior. American Psychologist, 44, 329–35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Patterson, G. R., Reid, J. B., & Dishion, T. J. (1992). Antisocial boys. Eugene, OR: Castalia Publishing Co.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pearson, F. S., Lipton, D. S., Cleland, C. M., & Yee, D. S. (2002). The effects of behavioral/cognitive-behavioral programs on recidivism. Crime and Delinquency, 48, 476–496.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pratt, T. C., & Cullen, F. T. (2000). The empirical status of Gottfredson and Hirschi’s general theory of crime: A meta-analysis. Criminology, 38, 931–964.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rebellon, C. J. (2002). Reconsidering the broken homes/delinquency relationship and exploring its mediating mechanism(s). Criminology, 40, 103–136.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sellers, C. S., Cochran, J. K., & Winfree, T. L., Jr. (2003). Social learning theory and courtship violence: An empirical test. In R. L. Akers & G. F. Jensen (Eds.), Social learning theory and the explanation of crime: A guide for the new century. Advances in criminological theory, Vol. 11 (pp. 109–128). New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Simons, R. L., Simons, L. G., & Wallace, L. E. (2004). Families, delinquency, and crime. Los Angeles, CA Roxbury.

    Google Scholar 

  • Simons, R. L., Wu, C. I., Conger, R. D., & Lorenz, F. (1994). Two routes to delinquency: Differences between early and late starters in the impact of parenting and deviant peers. Criminology, 32, 247–276.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and human behavior. New York: Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Skinner, B. F. (1959). Cumulative record. New York: Appleton Century Crofts.

    Google Scholar 

  • Snyder, J. J., & Patterson, G. R. (1995). Individual-differences in social aggression: A test of a reinforcement model of socialization in the natural-environment. Behavior Therapy, 26, 371–391.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sumter, M. T., & Clear, T. R. (2005). Religion in the correctional setting. In R. Muraskin (Ed.), Key correctional issues (pp. 86–113). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sutherland, E. H. (1947). Principles of criminology. 4th ed. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sykes, G., & Matza, D. (1957). Techniques of neutralization: A theory of delinquency. American Journal of Sociology, 22, 664–670.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Triplett, R., & Payne, B. (2004). Problem solving as reinforcement in adolescent drug use: Implications for theory and policy. Journal of Criminal Justice, 32, 617–630.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ventura, H. E. (Ed.). (2008). Restorative justice: From theory to practice. Sociology of Crime, Law and Deviance, Vol. 11. Bingley, UK: JAI Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Verrill, S. W. (2008). Social structure, social learning, and criminal behavior: Cross-level moderator effects. New York: LFB Scholarly.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, S., & Jensen, G. F. (2003). Explaining delinquency in Taiwan: A test of social learning theory. In R. L. Akers & G. F. Jensen (Eds.), Social learning theory and the explanation of crime: A guide for the new century. Advances in criminological theory, Vol. 11 (pp. 65–84). New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Warr, M. (2002). Companions in crime: The social aspects of criminal conduct. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiesner, M., Capaldi, D. M., & Patterson, G. (2003). Development of antisocial behavior and crime across the life-span from a social interactional perspective: The coercion model. In R. L. Akers & G. F. Jensen (Eds.), Social learning theory and the explanation of crime: A guide for the new century. Advances in criminological theory, Vol. 11 (pp. 317–338). New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Winfree, T. L., Jr., Mays, G. L., & Vigil-Backstrom, T. (1994). Youth gangs and incarcerated delinquents: Exploring the ties between gang membership, delinquency, and social learning theory. Justice Quarterly, 11, 229–256.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Winfree, T. L., Jr., Vigil-Backstrom, T., & Mays, G. L. (1994). Social learning theory, self-reported delinquency, and youth gangs: A new twist on a general theory of crime and delinquency. Youth and Society, 26, 147–177.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, L., & Messner, S. F. (1995). Family deviance and delinquency in China. Criminology, 33, 359–387.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2009 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Akers, R.L., Jennings, W.G. (2009). The Social Learning Theory of Crime and Deviance. In: Krohn, M., Lizotte, A., Hall, G. (eds) Handbook on Crime and Deviance. Handbooks of Sociology and Social Research. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0245-0_6

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics