Agnew's Social Learning Theory

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proven as an effective theory (Akers 1998, 200; Agnew, 2005). The general theory of crime and delinquency shares some of the strengths of social learning theory except this specific theory focuses on a bigger picture of what causes crime and is showed through what Agnew refers as life domains (Akers 1998, 200; Agnew, 2005). The theory also focuses on risk factors and explains how people go through these risk factors across their lifetime (Agnew, 2005). The weaknesses of this theory is that it lacks empirical testing just like the labeling theory but a strength is that social learning theory, deterrence theory, rational choice theory, and Thornberry’s interactional theory of delinquency have been empirically tested which supports this theory …show more content…

Akers mentions how important it is to implement mentoring programs for people, especially the young ones (Akers, 1998). He believes that having a mentor can really help someone especially like programs like Big Brother Big Sisters (Akers, 1998; Big Brothers Big Sister of America). Throughout the United States a mentorship program named Big Brothers Big Sisters of America have shown Akers idea and policy implication to be a successful well-thought idea (Akers, 1998; Big Brothers Big Sister of America). Big Brother Big Sisters of America is a highly recognized mentorship program for young people, that show statistics which measures social acceptance, academic achievement, risk avoidance, and other subject surveys. (Akers, 1998; Big Brothers Big Sister of America). The results for social acceptance showed 64.2% improved which shows they had greater confidence and better peer relationships like parents (Big Brothers Big Sister of America). Academic achievement showed 71.7% that included how well the child was doing in the academic area (Big Brothers Big Sister of America). Risk avoidance was 78.2% meaning that percentage that would not engage in risky behavior which included smoking, drugs, drinking and a few other risky behaviors (Big Brothers Big Sister of …show more content…

This specific study conducted by Busbee, Caneda, and Fanning questioned how inmates receiving mentorship would affect them after getting out of prison (Busbee, Caneda, & Fanning, 2011). The study showed that prisons in general face hard decisions after getting released from prison to avoid recidivism these individuals need work release programs and vocation training as well to avoid them coming back (Busbee, Caneda, & Fanning, 2011). The research studies conclude that a policy implication of having programs such as the work release program should be put in place of the prison system (Busbee, Caneda, & Fanning, 2011). Social learning system is said to promote an atmosphere of home for the inmates and give them the support necessary (Akers, 1998; Bandura 1991; Busbee, Caneda, & Fanning,

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