Can Criminal Behavior be Un - learned?

Question

Criminal behavior is learned; Can it be Un-learned?
Can criminals be resocialized into society norms or taught how to comply with laws?

Answer 1

That is a great question.

I think programs like "scared straight" might help, but mainly it is the group the person is hanging out with, personal character (how did mom and dad do their job).

There is mental illness, rage, crimes of passion.

I'd have to guess that some behavior can be unlearned, especially if prison time is rehabilitative and not just pure punishment. It's probably 50/50.

Answer 2

The idea that the sole reason for criminal behavior is learning is incorrect. Some criminal behavior may be but most criminal behavior is perpetrated by psychopaths (sociopaths, antisocial personality types). This is why recidivism is so high.

Psychopathology cannot be cured. The only way to control psychopaths is to lock them up or make it too difficult and costly for them to practice their predatory practices.

Most criminals cannot be "re-socialized." This nonsense, re socialization was tried extensively in the late '60s, '70s and '80s, and it just doesn't work.

The basic premise of your question is faulty. You need to check your facts rather than proceeding on presumption.

Answer 3

Yes, but it is difficult.
The person has to want to change or it is impossible.
Yet, even if the person wants to, it is still very difficult. The stigma of being an ex-con will affect their ability to get a job as well as trying to fit into society. This often leads back to associating with other criminals (most people won't hang out with an ex-con) and then back to crime.
Everybody makes mistakes, but if you get caught making the mistake - it may start you on a downward path that is hard to break away from.

Answer 4

Criminal behavior is not learned but comes most naturally that is why parents need to be very vigilant while socializing their children. In fact it is ill-advised to leave a 4 or 5 year old child with a baby sibbling because if the older sibbling resents the younger one the older one might try to kill the younger one. BTW: Ever read Lord of the Flies?

Answer 5

Yes -- depending on motivation.

Where the criminal behavior is based on a disrespect for the law -- or a lack of understanding of the law -- education can change the mindset.

Where criminal behavior is based on desperation -- it's not a matter of unlearning -- it's a matter of finding other answers.

Can people learn to change -- almost always.
Are they willing to learn to change -- must less common.

Answer 6

Yes. I am a convicted felon, and now a constructive member of society.

"Crimminal" is a very broad term to describe many types of behavior. I am not and never have been a violent person, nor a dishonest person. To lump all people that have broken the law into a single group is unfair.