Give at least two (2) real life exemplifying the concept of Differential Association -Reinforcement Theory. Support your answer.
1. A teenager who grows up in a neighborhood where drug use is prevalent may have peers who use drugs and encourage them to do the same. They may also witness drug use being normalized and even celebrated in their community. Over time, the teenager may start to see drug use as a socially acceptable behavior that can provide pleasure or a way to cope with problems. This exemplifies the differential association aspect of the theory, as the teenager's exposure to drug use in their environment leads them to adopt similar attitudes and behaviors. This may also be reinforced by the positive experiences that come with using drugs, such as feeling good or being accepted by peers.
2. A person who is raised in a household where domestic violence is common may learn that violence is an acceptable way to resolve conflicts. They may also experience fear and trauma as a result of the violence, which can lead them to use violence themselves as a way to cope with stressful situations. This exemplifies the differential association aspect of the theory, as the person's exposure to violence in their environment leads them to adopt similar attitudes and behaviors. This may also be reinforced by the perceived benefits of using violence, such as feeling powerful or getting their way in a conflict.
Give at least two (2) real life exemplifying the concept of Routine Activity Theory. Support your answer.
1. A neighborhood with high levels of crime would be a real-life exemplification of Routine Activity Theory. According to this theory, crime occurs when there is a convergence of three factors: the presence of a motivated offender, the availability of suitable targets, and the absence of capable guardians. In a high crime neighborhood, potential offenders may be motivated by factors such as poverty or drug addiction. The area may also have an abundance of suitable targets, such as unlocked cars or unsecured homes. Finally, the lack of capable guardians, such as police or neighborhood watch programs, makes it easy for offenders to commit crimes. All these factors create an environment conducive to crime, making this neighborhood a good example of Routine Activity Theory.
2. Cyberbullying is another example of Routine Activity Theory in action. In this case, the motivated offender is the person doing the bullying. The suitable target may be anyone who uses social media, particularly children who may be more vulnerable to harassment. Capable guardians, such as parents or teachers, may not be present or may not be aware of the bullying, making it easier for the offender to continue their behavior. The convergence of all these factors creates an environment that allows cyberbullying to flourish.
Give at least two (2) real life exemplifying the concept of Lifestyle Theory. Support your answer.
1. A person who lives a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet would be a real-life example of Lifestyle Theory. According to this theory, an individual's lifestyle choices can impact their risk for developing certain diseases or health conditions. In this case, the individual's healthy lifestyle choices may lower their risk for conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Conversely, a person who has an unhealthy lifestyle, such as smoking, drinking excessively, and not exercising, would have a higher risk for developing these same conditions.
2. The lifestyle choices of a person who lives in a rural area versus a person who lives in an urban area is another example of Lifestyle Theory. Rural residents may have more physical jobs, spend more time outside, and have access to fresh produce, leading to a healthier lifestyle overall. Urban residents, on the other hand, may face higher levels of pollution, have limited access to green space, and rely more on processed foods due to limited grocery options. These lifestyle factors may contribute to differences in health outcomes between rural and urban populations.
Differential Association-Reinforcement Theory, proposed by sociologist Edwin Sutherland, suggests that individuals learn deviant or criminal behavior through interactions with others who hold similar beliefs and values. This theory combines the ideas of differential association, which focuses on the content of learned behavior, and reinforcement, which examines the consequences of that behavior. Here are two real-life examples that exemplify the concept:
1. Gang involvement: One example of the Differential Association-Reinforcement Theory can be seen in gang involvement. Individuals who join gangs are often exposed to a subculture that promotes criminal activities. They learn deviant behavior through interactions with gang members who reinforce these behaviors. For instance, a new gang member may observe and learn how to engage in drug trafficking or participate in violent activities through the influence and mentoring of more experienced members. The reinforcement aspect of the theory comes into play when these individuals are rewarded or praised for their participation in criminal acts, contributing to the continuation of deviant behavior.
2. Substance abuse: Another example that demonstrates the concept of Differential Association-Reinforcement Theory is substance abuse. If an individual is surrounded by peers who engage in drug or alcohol use, they may be more likely to adopt these behaviors. As they interact with peers who engage in substance abuse, they learn the techniques, attitudes, and rationalizations associated with these behaviors. Reinforcement occurs when the individual experiences pleasure or relief from stress as a result of substance use, leading them to continue and potentially escalate their drug or alcohol consumption.
In both of these examples, the concept of differential association explains how individuals learn deviant or criminal behavior through social interactions, while the reinforcement aspect explains how the consequences of this behavior contribute to its continuation.