Macro Level Learning Theories

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The Social Learning Theory focuses on individuals engaging in crime due to observation, imitation, and modeling. Their family or social group may also reinforce these behaviors by being dismissive, lenient or even emphasizing certain behavior. Rewards and punishments are also tied to criminal behavior. Differential reinforcement focuses on rewards and punishment, due to the impact they have on behavior. Our text shares with us that imitation can impact behavior based on what behavior is observed, what consequences are observed, and what the behavior looks like (Cullen et al, 2014). There are many interesting ways to think this, either as major or minor behavior changing principles.
Macro level learning theories argue that there are certain groups that hold values that are conductive to crime, and are more likely to
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When living in a neighborhood which is very active with drugs, violence, gangs, etc., a lot of the community lives by the unspoken law/code of the streets. Many will turn a blind eye because it is “none of their business” or it has “nothing to do with them”, but also due to the relationship between law enforcement and the community being strained now more so than ever. Many of the interviews discuss being witness to a female being victimized by cat calling, unwanted touching, physical violence, relationship violence, and how women are seen as weak compared to their male counterpart. They must “...rely on community ties for protection” (Miller, 2008, p.64), for the most part they rely on family, boyfriends, friends and or neighbors to keep them safe and prevent harm. A common theme for the girls was to never walk alone, especially at night or being in a public place without someone else there with them. Most of the girls described “...relying on the company of others (especially males) for protection...” (Miller, 2008,