Chapter 7 - The Role of Antisocial Associates and Attitudes in Criminal Conduct

Abstract

This chapter focuses on two of the “big four” risk factors—antisocial associates and attitudes. These factors have a very strong influence on the decision to engage in criminal behavior. Antisocial associates provide opportunities to learn the techniques of crime and the learning of antisocial attitudes. Poor parenting leads the youth to antisocial associations and the learning of antisocial attitudes. Lack of parental monitoring and discipline allows the youth to associate with antisocial others without fear of censure from the parents. Poor emotional ties to the parents may further exacerbate the situation. Antisocial parents may also model and reinforce criminal behavior. Gang membership enhances criminal behavior. Most individuals who join gangs already have a well-entrenched criminal propensity. Being a gang member increases criminal behavior beyond what is expected from the individual. Antisocial attitudes can be reliably measured and changed. Assessments of antisocial attitudes fall into three general categories: (1) techniques of neutralization, (2) identification with criminal others, and (3) rejection of convention. A number of treatment programs have demonstrated that replacing antisocial attitudes with prosocial attitudes are associated with reduced recidivism.