8 - Social Process Theories of Crime

Abstract

This chapter examines social process theories. These theories analyze the social processes or interactions associated with crime. Most social process perspectives do not limit focus to any segment of the class structure. Social process theories most commonly attempt to explain how individuals become law violators. This focus on social interactions or processes experienced by individuals, as opposed to structural matters, represents a shift from macro-theory to micro-theory. A social psychological label is ascribed to the theories because they combine sociological (group) and psychological (individual) variables. Social process theories redress errors that arise when social structure theories are applied at the individual level. Social process theories do not approach crime. Their most important strength is their explanatory power cuts across social classes and economic strata. These theories are consistent with a pattern of crime and delinquency weighted toward members of the lower-class. The chapter discusses three forms of social process theories: learning, culture conflict, and social control. These approaches share the premise that groups influence the individual.