Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory

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Domestic violence has long been a problem which has been ignored by Australians until recent years; statistically, a woman is more likely to be murdered in her own home by a current male partner than by anyone anywhere else (Mitchell, 2011). B.F. Skinner’s theory of Operant Conditioning is one theory which is used as an explanation for domestic violence; stating that every behaviour one performs, including domestic violence, produces a consequence which in turn can reinforce their behaviour, causing them to recommit the crime. Another theory used to explain domestic violence is Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory which uses observational learning as reasoning behind actions and behaviours. Although both theories describe domestic violence …show more content…
Those who commit domestic violence see the victim as their “possession” (Cobar.org, n.d.), often getting a feeling of power and control, making them feel better about themselves. This initially good feeling positively reinforces the behaviour, which then conditions the perpetrator to recommit the violent acts. Another instance of operant conditioning is through the criminal justice system or sometimes the lack of it. A survey conducted in 1988 showed that 12% of the respondents never told anyone about the domestic abuse and only 56% of the victims contacted authorities concerning the matter (Mugford, 1989). This would suggest that many perpetrators of domestic violence are not being punished for their crimes as victims are too afraid to reach out and get help. Because of this, the overall “benefits” of the act can outweigh the punishments and because perpetrators are not being punished, they continue to recommit the offence which positively reinforces their own behaviour. When domestic violence is reported to the authorities, operant conditioning also has a part in the punishments. Both positive punishment and negative punishment can be used when sentencing a perpetrator. An example of positive punishment is issuing a fine to the perpetrator; by adding the fine which will now appear on Infringement Matters reports or on …show more content…
It addresses the fact that humans learn observationally through their environment and from the people around them. Although Operant Conditioning does address how domestic violence can be learned and reinforced, it suggests that perpetrators only commit the acts due to its “rewards”. The Social Learning Theory shows how both good behaviours and bad behaviours can be learned purely through one’s previous life experiences. As well as explaining the perpetrators reasoning, it can also explain why those who have witnessed domestic violence through childhood are also more prone to enter and remain in abusive relationships in their
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