To the extent that they are more rewarded than alternative behavior, the favorable definitions will be strengthened and the unfavorable definitions will be weakened, and it becomes more likely that the deviant behavior will be repeated under similar circumstances. Progression into more frequent or sustained patterns, rather than cessation or reductions, of criminal behavior is promoted to the extent that reinforcement, exposure to deviant models, and norm violating definitions, are not offset by negative formal and informal sanctions and norm abiding definitions. Differential association refers to the process whereby one is exposed to normative definitions either favorable or unfavorable to illegal or law-abiding behavior. Differential reinforcement refers to the balance of anticipated or actual rewards and punishments that follow from behaviors. The greater the value or amount of rewards for the person s behavior, the more frequently it is rewarded, and the higher the probability that it will be rewarded, the greater the likelihood that it will occur and be repeated.
Imitation involves engaging in a behavior after observing another person doing the same thing.
Observers tend to imitate the modeled behavior if they like or respect the model, see the model receive reinforcement, see the model give off signs of pleasure or are in an environment where imitating the model s behavior is reinforced and conformity is punished. Definitions are the attitudes and meanings that one attaches to a given behavior. It includes the specific techniques of committing the crime and specific rationalizations or techniques of neutralization. Rehabilitation through reeducation and re-socialization. Segregate offenders and keep suggestible people away from bad influences.