ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on theories that explain offending in terms of the processes that happen between people. Social learning theory suggests that criminality is set of learned attitudes and behaviours and there is an exploration of the role mass media might play in offending. Social-psychological and sociological perspectives suggest that crime is consequence of relationships between individuals and groups and there is a discussion of three influential theories, labelling, self-fulfilling prophecy and social identity theory. There is a review of research into the role of social variables including poverty and the neighbourhood in crime. The family and peer group are clearly important contexts for the learning of criminality but the school, the neighbourhood and the media may also act as important influences. The American Psychological Association's Task Force on Violent Media report on the matter concludes that, while the current evidence base firmly supports an effect of violent videogames on aggression, evidence is lacking for a link with criminality.
