Social Learning Theory - Essay Example

?Introduction Social Learning Theory is considered as one of the leading theories with widespread applications in different fields including criminology. The basic idea behind this theory is the assumption that people tend to learn by observing others therefore learning can actually occur without a significant change in the behavior. The recent policy change by the Anytown’s department of job and family services may be considered from the perspective of the social learning theory. The overall argument by the department is based on the assumption that if children are constantly exposed to more abusive environment and behaviors, they may tend to acquire or develop such learning and become abusive and destructive citizens when they become adults. It is however, critical that the learning through this interaction may also have different impacts on the children also. However, this move may also point out certain important ethical and moral implications too if the policy is implemented. One of the key questions which could therefore be raised may be based upon the argument that the families and parents may lose their control over their children as well as the children may be dependent on others for their overall development. Apart from assessing the moral and ethical implications of the proposed policy change, this paper will also make an assessment of the effect on those who are involved and will be implicated under this change. The impact on the society as a whole as well as the family as a unit will also be discussed and explored in this paper. Social Learning Theory Before discussing the moral and ethical implications of this policy change, it is important to provide a theoretical background of Social Learning Theory. This is also important due to the fact that department has made a reference to this theory as an academic argument in favor of this policy change. Work of Albert Bandura is considered as the primary source of deriving the social learning theory as he proposed that the learning takes place through four different distinctive stages. Bandura postulated that people learn from one another by using observation, imitation as well as modeling. This single aspect of the social learning theory therefore has different dimensions and it is because of this reason that social learning theory has been widely used across different disciplines. One of the key assumptions of Bandura was that the environment of a person creates his or behavior therefore if it is necessary to improve the behavior of the individuals, it is critical that the environment must be improved or constructive to allow people to learn positive traits. The social learning theory from the criminology perspective has largely been developed by Akers , Burgess as well as the work of Sutherland. An associated concept with this theory is also the concept of differential association theory which suggests that criminal behaviors could be learned through interactions with others. The implementation of a new policy change by the Anytown’s department therefore may be a step towards ensuring that the children are not exposed to the abusive behaviors and their learning should take place in more healthy and positive environment. The decision to separate children from the abusive parents or caretakers therefore may be seen from different perspectives as it may be better action however could lead to different ethical and moral implications too. Moral and Ethical Implications A society comprises of different individual units and family is one of the most important units in any given society. According to Social learning theorists, people tend to learn the moral behaviors over the period of time therefore children specially see their parents as models for what is right and wrong. As such the overall development of a child’s moral and ethical perspectives is firmly connected with their parents and guardians. What is also important to understand that when children grow as adults and have to make their own moral judgments they often rely on the values they have internalized during their childhood and acquired from their parents and guardians. (Hensley & Singer, 2004) One of the key ethical issues which can arise as a result of this action would the crisis of identity as well as the role. When children are given under the foster care or any other type of guardianship on long term basis, this may create strong conflict between a child’s real identity and the roles he is forced to assume. This is also important in the sense that the adolescence is an age when children actually explore and establish their identities therefore if at this stage, they are taken away from their parents, they may end developing a personality which may find it hard to fit between two families. (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2009) Impact on Family and Society As such the overall ethical implications for this policy change could immediately be on the family as a unit. Once children are removed from their abusive parents, children are actually split between two families. The life in a foster family can be difficult however; it can also prove to be more beneficial for the child. The issue of whether children will receive the proper attention and care in foster homes or families therefore may be one of the key moral debates regarding the implementation of the new policy in Anytown. Family as a unit therefore may be largely affected because parents will not be able to spend time with their children and resultantly could feel lonelier as well as depressive. However, if government could ensure those who provide alternative care can offer better care as well as attention to the children; children may develop as better human beings. Apart from this, an upbringing in a new family can also allow a child to meet and interact with different people and learn from them. (Rotter, Chance,, & Phares, 1972) Society as a whole may also suffer from this because its resources will be spent on the issues which could be controlled through effective regulations. Society however, can also benefit if children are given better alternative opportunities to grow themselves as better citizens. Application of Social Learning Theory on this scenario As discussed above that the social learning theory postulates that the criminal behaviors can emerge as a result of the interaction of the individuals with others. In such situation, if children are constantly exposed to the abusive parents and guardians with history of drugs and crime, they may acquire such behaviors. (Wren, 1982). Acquiring such behaviors therefore can make children like their parents and society as a whole can witness more crime. Viewing from this context, department has rightly identified social learning theory as the major theoretical argument for implementing this new policy change. Conclusion The decision to implement a new policy change to protect children from the abusive and criminal behavior of their parents may be considered as a better decision by the department. Though children may face the issues like identity as well as role he is forced to play however, if children are provided better opportunities to be groomed as positive and more constructive citizens, this action may be considered as effective. It is also important to note that the family as a unit may not benefit from this move because family members will be forced to be separated. However, society as a whole can really benefit from this policy if better and more constructive children are produced. This could be achieved if society can spent its resources in most optimal manner and provide the requisite support network for the children requiring fostering due to abusive behaviors of their parents. Bibliography Hensley, C., & Singer, S. (2004). . Applying Social Learning Theory to Childhood and Adolescent Firesetting: Can it Lead to Serial Murder? . International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 461–476. Rotter, J. B., Chance,, J., & Phares, J. (1972). Applications of a social learning theory of personality. . Oxford: Holt, Rinehart & Winston. Wren, T. E. (1982). Social Learning Theory, Self-Regulation, and Morality. Ethics, 409-424. Zastrow, C., & Kirst-Ashman, K. (2009). Understanding Human Behavior and the Social Environment. London: Cengage Learning. Read More