The emphasis of social process theories are not on the institutions, but on the relationships formed between individual family members, peer groups, teachers, church leaders and other agents of socialization.
The key concept of all social process theories is based on learning. Sociologists have believed that individuals learn social values and norms from agents of socialization. Thus, if those agents engage in behavior that is deviant or criminal, then there is a greater chance for an individual to engage in similar behavior.
Edwin Sutherland, the father of American criminology, is one of the greatest exemplars of social process theory. Though his theory of differential association was devised largely to explain white collar crime, many of the pronouncements are also applicable to violent crime. In response to psychologists who tried to explain criminal behavior in terms of psychosis, Sutherland's differential association theory believed that like much of behavior, engaging in criminal activities is part of the social learning process (Sutherland 1983).
Social process theories further believe that criminal behavior is learned through interaction with other members of the community, most likely through communication by an individual's "significant others." These significant others include members of an individual's primary group, such as family, friends and peers. Thus, the more an individual spends time with criminals, the higher his or her chances are of engaging in criminal behavior.
Specifically, social process theories believe that spending time with miscreants exposes an individual to attitudes, techniques, motives and various rationalizations that may increase their likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior. The frequency of the contacts may vary, but the age at first contact...
When these associations create a mindset that favors violating the law over social order, then a person could engage in violent crime.
A comparison between social organization and social process shows significant differences on how the two approaches explain violent crime. Social organization takes a macrosociological approach, looking at the importance of social institutions like schools, businesses and law enforcement. Social process, on the other hand, is microsociological in nature. The emphasis of the latter is on the interaction between individual members of society.
However, both approaches complement one another quite strongly. Social organization theories are right to emphasize the importance of institutions, which after all exists to serve public needs such as safety and education. It is also important to note, as social process theories do, that these institutions are made up of individuals, and as social creatures, these inter-relations fulfill basic human needs. Thus, a more comprehensive approach to preventing violent crime would be to ensure that institutions such as schools and law enforcement are well-funded (social organization). Corollary to this, community members should take the time to participate in activities such as mentoring, after-school programs, providing daycare or coaching athletic leagues. This combination of efforts would be the best way to ensure that violent crime remains a rare activity in the communities.
Works Cited
Shaw, C. & H. McKay. (1942). Juvenile Delinquency and Urban Areas. Chicago: Univ. Press.
Sutherland, Edwin H. 1983. White Collar Crime: The Uncut Version. Westport: Greenwood Publishing Group.
