Social Learning Theory

Abstract

The concept of differential association as it is expressed in Akers’ social learning theory primarily focuses on the importance of the interactions that persons have with others in their peer group. This chapter provides a theoretical overview of Akers' social learning theory and his more recent social structure social learning extension. It begins with a brief overview of the theoretical origins of social learning theory and a description of the four core theoretical elements. The chapter then reviews the relevant empirical evidence that has tested social learning theory as an explanation for crime and deviance, with particular attention to the results from a recent meta-analysis. It presents findings from recent cross-cultural empirical tests of social learning theory. Next, Akers' social structure social learning extension is discussed with attention to the research that has assessed this theoretical extension. The chapter offers a series of suggestions for future social learning research.

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