Albert Bandura Social Learning Theory

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"Learning would be exceedingly laborious, not to mention hazardous, if people had to rely solely on the effects of their own actions to inform them what to do. Fortunately, most human behavior is learned observationally through modeling: from observing others one forms an idea of how new behaviors are performed, and on later occasions this coded information serves as a guide for action."
-Albert Bandura, Social Learning Theory, 1977
Criminal behaviour can be accounted by numerous theories. Social learning theory is one theory that can be used to account for criminal behaviour as expressed by Bandura (Siegel, 2011). In reference to Mary’s case study social learning theory shall be utilised. This essay will reflect on Mary’s case and the issues related to her contribution to her criminal activities and her behaviour. First this essay will summarize social learning theory, secondly look at Mary’s life and explain how she became caught up in criminal behaviour, by looking at familial, symbolic model, furthermore peer modelling. In addition this essay will describe how Mary initiated and sustained her criminal behaviour. This essay will ascertain Mary’s motivation along with theories which are related to the prolongation of her behaviour. Finally this essay will demonstrate that social learning theory is applicable to Mary, due to her obvious behaviour being that of anti-social from the age of 14 onwards.
Albert Bandura’s social learning theory can be utilised to comprehend factors associated with criminal behaviour (Akers, 2009). There are four major concepts in social learning theory, comprising of differential association either by indirect or direct with other individuals by means of non verbal or verbal communication, definitions ...

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... form of peers and family. Mary learnt by observations and vicarious learning from her father, stepfather, mother and her peers. This is how Mary’s behavioural pattern commenced and was maintained. Mary was coerced by her peers in to committing her latest offence, reflecting in part her external locus of control. Mary tried to excuse and neutralise her behaviour and dehumanise her victim, exclaiming that it was his fault he tried to pick her up, also she was not the one who stabbed the victim. Mary’s behaviour was coerced by her co-offender as Mary only committed the crime due to her drug habit. Mary for the moment will not change; she looks forward for doing a short stint in prison. Mary would be an ideal candidate for cognitive behaviour therapy as she is young and it will assist Mary in changing her pattern which in turn could assist with her offending behaviour.

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