Social Learning Theory

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The social learning theory is a psychological view point that states people obtain knowledge how to function by modeling themselves after the people whom they have observed (Schmalleger, 2011). The modeling theory of aggression by Albert Bandura analyzes the advancement of aggressive behavior by an individual’s observation of others (Osterburg, 2010). Although the social learning theory states that people can learn through observation, learning does not necessarily lead to aggressive behavior. Adhering to the new policy of the Jefferson County Department of Job and Family Services of removing every child from their household because of the offense of one or more legal guardian has committed will send the foster care system into overload and it would be unethical to categorize or label children as potentially violent or aggressive even though they have not yet demonstrated any antisocial behavior. Albert Bandura believed that children might shy away from being aggressive if it is not influenced or rewarded by their environment or family members (Siegel, 2010). In this essay, I will determine whether or not the Department of Job and Family Services misinterpreted or misapplied the social learning theory when planning and implementing the policy. I will identify potential ethical or moral issues that could arise from Jefferson County Department of Job and Family Services implementing this new policy. I will describe the positive and/or negative impact the policy could have on society in general or on the family unit. I will address the implications of criminological theories within the context of social policy.
In the case study presented, the Jefferson County Department of Job and Family Services implemented a new policy r...

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...I addressed two criminological theories as it pertained to the case study provided.

Works Cited

Cherry, K. (2014). Social Learning Theory: An overview of Bandura’s Social Learning Theory. Retrieved February 28, 2014, from psychology.about.com/od/developmentalpsychology/a/sociallearing.htm
Osterburg, J. (2010). Criminal Investigation: A Method for Reconstructing the Past (6th ed.). [VitalSource bookshelf version]. Retrieved from http://online.vitalsource.com/books/9781437778946/id/P14-25
Schmalleger, F. (2011). Criminal Justice Today an Introductory Text for the 21st Century (11th ed.). [Adobe Digital Editions version]. Retrieved from http://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781256762744/pages/50966501
Siegel, L. (2010). Criminology: The Core (4th ed.). [VitalSource Bookshelf Version]. Retrieved from http://online.vitalsource.com/books/1285276329/id/P5-233

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