1950s Sheriff Shows What Creates Life Long Criminals. Does It Still Make Sense?

This was a training film in the 1950s for Michigan State Police. I found his point of view toward what makes a lifelong criminal and how they showed it in this film interesting.

Early life upbringing and experiences were of interest to criminologists and psychologists as factors that influence the development of criminal or antisocial behavior. There was (and still is) a consensus that it plays a significant role.

Attachment Theory emphasizes the importance of early childhood attachments, especially with primary caregivers. John Bowlby, a prominent psychologist, posited that disruptions in these early relationships, such as those caused by maternal deprivation, lead to delinquent or antisocial behavior later in life. A secure attachment in early life is believed to be foundational for healthy emotional and social development.

Rooted in the work of Sigmund Freud and his followers, psychoanalytic theories emphasized the significance of early childhood experiences. Freud believed that unresolved inner conflicts, especially those from the first few years of life, could manifest as problematic behaviors in adulthood, including criminality.

Social Learning Theories believe that children learn behaviors, including criminal or antisocial ones, through their interactions with others. Albert Bandura's work on observational learning showed that children could learn behaviors simply by observing others. If children grow up in environments where crime and violence are frequent, they are more likely to adopt those behaviors themselves.

Strain Theory proposed by Robert Merton, suggested that individuals resort to crime when there's a disjunction between societal goals (e.g., achieving success) and the available means to achieve those goals. Upbringings marked by poverty and limited opportunities can create such strains.

Labeling Theory suggested that individuals come to identify and behave in ways that reflect how others label them. Children who are consistently labeled as "troublemakers" or "bad" may internalize those labels, leading them to engage in the very behaviors that society expects of them.
While not directly about upbringing, theories posited that early life traumas or stressors can have lasting impacts on brain development, potentially predisposing an individual to impulsivity, aggression, or other traits associated with criminal behavior.

In the 1950s, both psychiatric and criminal justice perspectives on crime were influenced by a mix of sociological, psychological, and biological theories.

The 20th century saw various biological theories about criminal behavior. Some researchers believed that there were physical traits or characteristics, such as facial features or skull shapes, that could predispose an individual to criminal behavior. This was a residual influence from earlier, flawed theories like phrenology and the study of "criminal physiognomy."

The concept of the "psychopath" or "sociopath" was also gaining traction during this time. Some professionals believed that certain individuals had personality traits or disorders that made them more prone to criminal behavior. These individuals were often characterized by a lack of empathy, impulsivity, and a disregard for the rights of others.

Some believed that criminal behavior was learned. This could be through direct reinforcement (being rewarded for criminal behavior) or through observational learning (seeing others commit crimes and not face consequences).

Beyond just the sociological context, the broader environment in which a person was raised was believed to play a role. This included the influence of peer groups, exposure to crime at a young age, and the availability of opportunities for legitimate advancement.

Note that the 1950s was a period of transition in many ways, and beliefs about the roots of criminal behavior were evolving. Moreover, there wasn't a single monolithic belief held by all professionals; rather, there was a range of theories and perspectives. Many of the more deterministic theories, especially those based on biological determinants, have since been discredited with more sophisticated understandings. Modern criminology and psychiatry tend to view criminal behavior as a result of a complex interplay between biological, psychological, and sociological factors.

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Видео 1950s Sheriff Shows What Creates Life Long Criminals. Does It Still Make Sense? канала David Hoffman