Introduction
Criminological theories, primarily behavioral and social learning, are pivotal to the policymaking process. They mainly provide insights into certain situations and provide extensive knowledge of the critical policy aspects that need significant attention. Moreover, these theories offer patterns that enhance the comprehension of society’s most efficient, effective, and beneficial choices (Kwon & Silva, 2019). They are also known to boost the understanding of how and why people behave the way they do, which assists in designing more inclusive responses to the actions identified.
Statement of Facts
The two theories selected to ensure more effective policymaking are the behavioral and social learning theories. The former holds that behaviors are obtained from the environment, meaning that such development depends on people’s reactions. Thus, it is a form of conditioning wherein behavior is reinforced by punishment or rewards (Kwon & Silva, 2019). Incorporating such a theory in policymaking ensures that policymakers can directly tap into the environment to understand and influence behavior to ensure that the policies align with what people are experiencing. The latter theory suggests that imitation and observation are the principal ways social behavior is learned (Kwon & Silva, 2019). Therefore, policymaking ensures that society can be assessed and assisted quickly by identifying and treating the causes of certain undesirable behaviors in the policy.
Discussion
Social workers have extensively incorporated these two theories in identifying and assisting victims of various social issues. Therefore, these professionals can understand their clients better by evaluating their past experiences and how they influence their current behavior (Janebová, 2017). Moreover, their policies are oriented around these theories to provide an approach backed by research to ensure targeted care is provided. A study was conducted in the California Department of Social Services to evaluate how they identify and assist their clients. The results showed that these individuals were driven by behavior. If the victim in question were an addict, they would look for ways to ensure access to the particular drugs or alcohol was limited to influence their external environment (Janebová, 2017). Similarly, when the case involved domestic violence, the individuals would focus on the perpetrator to control their behaviors. These two incidents show the utilization of behavioral and social learning theories in these professionals’ courses of action, including the directions, guidelines, regulations, and rules followed.
Conclusion
To sum it up, it is evident that the behavioral and social learning theories drive California’s Department of Social Services. The study provided a step-by-step analysis of how the aspects provided by the two ensure victims are assisted and perpetrators are served with justice (Janebová, 2017). This is a step in the right direction, and the other social service departments should follow suit. Through these theories, most of the social issues will be solved.
Recommendations
Therefore, other state departments and law agencies must incorporate these two theories in their policymaking. For instance, if police departments across all states are to incorporate them, there will be a reduction in racial profiling cases as they will understand the behaviors of various individuals better without bias. This will be pivotal, especially in the policy relating to how arrests are made within the confines of the law. Additionally, these theories will make the suspects more involved in these processes to ensure they understand the consequences of their behaviors (Kwon & Silva, 2019). Therefore, peace and justice will prevail in line with implementing the two theories in such a department.
References
Janebová, R. (2017). ‘But don’t tell anybody’: The dilemma of confidentiality for the lone social worker in the context of child protective services. International Social Work, 62(1), 363-375.
Kwon, H., & Silva, E. (2019). Mapping the landscape of behavioral theories: Systematic literature review. Journal of Planning Literature, 35(2), 161-179.