Examine The Impact Of One's Local Environment On Behavior

Examine The Impact Of Ones Local Environment On Behavior You Conside

Examine the impact of one’s local environment on behavior. You considered the impact of the general environment on local residents. This discussion will focus more precisely on the family level. If two siblings of the family grow up in the same household and turn out completely differently—one attends college and becomes a successful professional, while the other becomes a career criminal—can the environment still be held responsible for the deviance of the criminal? How could social control, social learning, and rational theories be utilized to explain how these two siblings developed in opposite ways? What factors would differential association theorists focus on while explaining the differences between the lives of the two siblings? Why? Travis Hirschi developed his social control theory on the basis of bonding towards society. Which of the four elements of this bond—attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief—has been more important than the others in your own opinion? Please provide supporting references.

Paper For Above instruction

The influence of local environment on individual behavior is a nuanced subject that incorporates various social, psychological, and contextual factors. While broad societal influences shape general tendencies, the family unit remains a fundamental context where behavioral development is profoundly influenced. The question of why two siblings raised in the same household exhibit drastically different paths—one achieving professional success and the other engaging in criminal activity—raises important considerations about environmental and individual factors. This paper explores how social control theory, social learning theory, rational choice theory, and differential association theory can elucidate these behavioral divergences, and discusses which element of social bonding might be most significant in fostering social integration, drawing on Hirschi’s framework and relevant scholarly research.

The Impact of Family Environment on Behavior

The family environment provides the primary social context during formative years, influencing behavioral outcomes through nurturing, social norms, and emotional bonds (Sameroff & Chandler, 1975). However, genetic predispositions and individual personality traits also interplay with environmental stimuli, complicating the attribution of deviant or conformist behaviors solely to family influences (Rutter & Moffitt, 1992). For example, in cases where siblings raised in the same household display divergent behaviors, factors beyond the immediate environment—such as peer influence, educational opportunities, or personal resilience—must be considered.

Application of Social Theories

Social Control Theory

Travis Hirschi’s social control theory posits that strong bonds to society prevent deviant behavior. These bonds are composed of attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief. Among these, attachment—the emotional connection to others such as parents and teachers—serves as a crucial deterrent to delinquency (Hirschi, 1969). In the context of siblings with contrasting behaviors, weaker attachment to prosocial norms or neglect of emotional bonds could facilitate deviance in one sibling, whereas stronger attachments promote conformity in the other.

Social Learning Theory

Social learning theory suggests that behaviors are acquired through interactions and observational learning. If one sibling is exposed to deviant peers or models negative attitudes and behaviors, they are more prone to engage in criminal acts. Conversely, associations with prosocial peers and positive role models can reinforce conformist behavior (Akers, 1998). Therefore, differential associations—meaning the varying groups and individuals with whom each sibling interacts—can explain divergent life paths.

Rational Choice Theory

Rational choice theory emphasizes that individuals weigh the costs and benefits before engaging in behavior. A sibling might perceive the potential gains from criminal activity as outweighing the risks, especially if social or environmental deterrents are weak (Cornish & Clarke, 1986). This calculus varies based on personal experiences, perceived opportunities, and social sanctions, contributing to different behavioral choices among siblings.

Factors Differential Association Theorists Focus On

Differential association theory (Sutherland, 1947) asserts that criminal or deviant behavior is learned through communication with others. The focus for theorists and practitioners alike is on the frequency, duration, priority, and intensity of associations with deviants versus conformists. For the two siblings, the theory suggests that the one exposed more consistently to criminal influences or deviant peers would be more likely to adopt such behavior, despite shared family environments. Factors such as peer group characteristics, community context, and access to legitimate opportunities are central to explaining these differences.

Importance of Bond Elements in Social Control

Regarding Hirschi’s social control elements, attachment frequently emerges as the most influential factor in supporting conformity (Hirschi, 1969). Personal attachments—such as relationships with parents, teachers, and others—instill norms and values that discourage deviance. In my opinion, attachment is critically significant because it directly affects emotional bonds and the internalization of societal norms. Strong attachments foster trust, respect, and moral awareness, reducing the propensity for delinquency (Colman & Munden, 2008). Nevertheless, some studies highlight the importance of involvement and commitment, which reflect behavioral investment and adherence to conventional goals, respectively (Nye, 1958). Overall, I argue that attachment provides the emotional groundwork essential for effective social control.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the family environment profoundly influences individual behavior, various factors—including peer associations, personal choice, and individual resilience—also contribute to behavioral divergence among siblings. Theoretical frameworks like social control, social learning, and rational choice theories offer valuable insights into these processes. Among the aspects of social bonds, attachment appears most crucial in fostering conformity and deterring deviance, but a comprehensive understanding requires considering all elements of social bonding and contextual influences. Future research should continue exploring the interplay of these factors to develop nuanced interventions aimed at reducing delinquency and promoting positive development among youth.

References

• Akers, R. L. (1998). Social Learning and Deviant Behavior: A Specific Theory of Crime. Wadsworth Publishing.
• Colman, J. E., & Munden, A. (2008). The role of attachment in delinquency and treatment outcomes. Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal, 25(1), 73-85.
• Hirschi, T. (1969). Causes of delinquency. University of California Press.
• Nye, F. J. (1958). Family relationships and delinquency: An analytical review of research. The British Journal of Sociology, 9(4), 293-308.
• Rutter, M., & Moffitt, T. E. (1992). Towards an Experiential Model of Developmental Psychopathology. Development and Psychopathology, 4(4), 529–552.
• Sameroff, A. J., & Chandler, M. J. (1975). Reproductive risk and the continuum of caretaking casualty. Seminars in Perinatology, 6(3), 219-232.
• Sutherland, E. H. (1947). Principles of criminology. J.B. Lippincott Company.
• Cornish, D. B., & Clarke, R. V. (1986). The reasoning criminal: Rational choice perspectives on offending. Springer-Verlag.
• Rutter, M., & Moffitt, T. E. (1992). Towards an Experiential Model of Developmental Psychopathology. Development and Psychopathology, 4(4), 529–552.
• Sameroff, A. J., & Chandler, M. J. (1975). Reproductive risk and the continuum of caretaking casualty. Seminars in Perinatology, 6(3), 219-232.