Social Process Theory

Murder and Homicide

Knowing the difference and knowing the offender

Viewing the news one night you hear that a woman has been murdered in her home. You might hear another story that a woman has been a victim of a homicide in her home. There is a difference between murder and homicide but the two are often joined together as one descriptor of the crime. The media will use the word murder to elicit more of a response in lieu of giving details of the crime. We will further examine the differences, and the demographics of those who commit these crimes, and who is predominately affected. The important issue is with the recognition of deviance, and how the deviance is perceived in society. The recent trial of MS-13 gang members in Santa Maria, California,

The Social Process Theory views criminal behavior based on the interactions with their peers, family, and neighborhoods. Social Learning Theory view the criminal behavior as a learned behavior from close relationships as in a gang. The social learning theories share a commonality in that “people are born good and learn to be bad.” Those who suffer economic disparity are at a greater risk for criminal behavior but with positive influences these behaviors can be altered.

Both theories offer an insight into the criminal behavior of gang related behavior. What is not considered, in relation to the presentation, is the influx of gang members from another country. The criminality in a gang, specifically MS-13, was brought to the streets of Los Angeles. Would the level of violence be the same without the import of this particular gang behavior is an interesting topic to

Howard Zehr is a restorative justice scholar, and he believes that not only should we look at the needs of the victims but also address what the offenders have done in their crime. Zehr’s development of restorative justice balks at traditional justice practices, and embraces repairing the harm that has been suffered by the victim and communities. I like the restorative justice idea but feel that punishment for murder, gang related, would require punishment under our current laws. What I do find concerning is the perceived differences in punishments given based on socioeconomic status so I find Zehr’s ideas intriguing. He might be on to something as were the Quakers with their practices. Quakers believed the reforming could be accomplished through positive opportunities. Ultimately, understanding what the socioeconomically disadvantaged are exposed to on a daily basis requires attention so gang activity becomes