Deviance, Crime, and Social Control - Personal Statement Example

Subject: Sociology, Personal Statement Date: Topic: Deviance, Crime, and Social Control The canvas for studies of social learning theory is vast and wide-ranging. It examines many types of behaviors, like childhood and adolescent aggression, marital discord, drug and alcohol addiction, at the political level terrorism and all types of criminal behaviors.

Associations with immediate members of the family and interaction with friends impact the social behavior. These are important areas that have demanded the attention of research scholars. Deviant and criminal conduct is the outcome of the interplay of several factors. Influence and associations with family and peer networks is an important factor, but not the sole one. So far the policy makers have developed many programs of reformation and rehabilitation, but with limited success. For tangible and permanent results, sooner or later ethical and more emphatically spiritual options need to be adopted.

Permanent change in an individual is impossibility unless inner change takes place. That generates by changing the thought process. Inner change is possible by practicing the revelations in the scriptures. The essence of all religions is the same, only man falters in its interpretations and that gives rise to conflicts. Responsible societal behavior leads to universal peace. Notwithstanding the application of the best of the social theories why unrest in the society is on the increase all over the world, is the moot question.

The article, “Social Learning and Social Structure: A General Theory of Crime and Deviance,” is the review John H Simpson on the book on the subject by Ronald L Askers. In this article the development of social learning theory is traced. Mention is also made about previous sociological theories. The author also elucidates how this vast subject is clubbed with mainstream criminology and how the “social learning theory” explains the “criminal and non-criminal” behavior of humankind.

His approach is secular, though at times, he touches the final frontier of the mind, but fails to cross it, and stumbles. This is the problem with various “theories of crime and deviance.” They explain, but are unable to provide permanent solution. ReferencesSimpson, John H. Social Forces 78.3(mar 2000):1171-1173.The University of North Carolina Press