NCJ Number
4405
Journal
KEY ISSUES Volume: 2 Dated: (1965) Pages: 87-101
Date Published
1965
Length
15 pages
Annotation
SYMBOLIC INTERACTION THEORY SUPPORTS THE IDEA THAT OFFENDERS WITH NEWLY CHANGED SELF-CONCEPTS CAN BE USED TO RESOCIALIZE OTHERS TO NON-CRIMINAL ROLES.
Abstract
THIS THEORY STATES THAT CHANGING SOCIAL BEHAVIOR IS NOT A MATTER OF EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCES OR PERSONALITY TRAITS. THE EMPHASIS SHOULD BE PLACED ON GROUP VERBALIZATIONS AND THE KIND OF SELF-IMAGES THEY REFLECT. THE REHABILITATED CRIMINAL, LIKE THE REFORMED ALOHOLIC IN ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, CAN PROVIDE A STEADY FLOW OF VERBAL ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT. THIS PROCESS NOT ONLY CHANGES CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR BUT PROVIDES CONTINUOUS REINFORCEMENT OF THE NEW AND SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE ROLES.