Concept
In order to understand the authors reasoning it is important to understand the concepts of behavior development, i.e. how observation of a behavior leads to development of that behavior. It is also important to understand the dynamics in various groups to understand why behaviors may be imitated from some sources and not others.
Assumptions
The author is working on the assumption that there are no other factors which develop criminal behavior. For example the assumption is that if criminal behavior develops then the criminal will undertake criminal activity at any possible opportunity. The theory does not explain why some children grow up in an environment which promotes crime and yet does not develop these behaviors and vice-versa.
Implications
If the reasoning of the author were to be accepted it has serious implications with regard to child rearing. For example it implies that any children of known criminals are to become criminals themselves. This has implications as to fitness for parenthood of many adults. It also has implications for prejudice as it implies that any child growing up in a neighborhood which is troubled with crime will develop into a criminal also.
Point-of-View
While I accept the point of the author that the attitudes towards crime in the environment in which a child develops are crucial in determining future behavior, I believe that there are many other factors which are involved in the development (or not) of criminal behavior.
Chapter 35
Purpose
The central aim of the author's intent is to demonstrate how reinforcement acts on differential association to produce criminal behavior.
Question
The main question which is being addressed is: "How does reinforcement impact on criminal...
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