9. Learning Theories
9.1 Introduction
Dr. Zachary Rowan and Michaela McGuire, M.A.
🎯 Learning Objectives
- Identify the propositions of Sutherland’s differential association theory.
- Discuss the main components of social learning theory.
- Describe key research findings examining the relationship between deviant peers and crime.
- Describe key research findings examining core correlates of crime, such as age, gender and turning points.
- Identify strengths and limitations of learning theories, from a decolonial lens.
This chapter explores differential association theory and social learning theory. We review how learning theories are used to explain various types of crime and the role of different sources of influence, critically evaluate strengths and limitations of the theories, and provide commentary on these perspectives using a decolonial[1] lens. This chapter will also take stock of how these perspectives were largely derived by Western, White, and male scholars who ignore Indigenous peoples’ pre-existence and experience.
- For the purposes of this chapter, we define a decolonial approach as a critical examination of colonialism, including the complicity of the discipline of criminology in the colonial project. A decolonial approach challenges the status quo namely the structures and systems that perpetuate oppression and systemic racism. We do our best to integrate this approach in this chapter; however, we recognise that in this limited space we are unable to grapple with the complexities of colonialism, decolonial approaches and the complicity of the state. See Nikki Sanchez Decolonization Is for everyone. ↵
