ABSTRACT
This chapter explores a variety of ways in which theories can be linked, integrated, and perhaps reconciled. General Strain Theory incorporates much of social learning and social bonding theories. Ronald Akers's elaboration of differential association as a more general social learning theory integrates macro- and individual levels of explanation by viewing learning environments, role models, and opportunities as "sets and schedules of reinforcement contingencies" and products of culture and social structure. Life-course perspectives permit us to draw together still other theoretical and empirical strands that cut across socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity. Karen Heimer suggests that the influence of socioeconomic status is largely via parental disciplinary practices and supervision. Although on the surface, extremes may seem easy to identify, parental choices may be constrained by complicating circumstances of poverty, protection of their children against the lures and dangers of street culture, and weak community institutions and networks, as well as by limitations in their parenting skills.
