Social psychology is a field of study that investigates how social influences and situations shape individual behavior and thoughts. The criminal justice system, on the other hand, is a complex system of institutions, policies, and practices that aim to prevent and respond to criminal activity (Gruman et al., 2017). By applying social psychology to the criminal justice system, we can gain insights into how to effectively prevent and address criminal behavior.
One of the fundamental principles of social psychology is the power of social/environmental influence. This principle suggests that people’s behavior and attitudes are strongly influenced by the people around them (Gruman et al., 2017). In the context of the criminal justice system, this means that the behavior of individuals within a particular social group, such as a gang or a prison population, can significantly influence the behavior of others in that group.
To apply this principle, criminal justice policymakers and practitioners should consider the social dynamics of the groups that they are dealing with (Gruman et al., 2017). For example, if a prison population is known for its violent behavior, policymakers might consider separating individuals who exhibit violent tendencies from the rest of the population. Alternatively, policymakers might consider introducing programs that aim to reduce violent behavior by encouraging positive interactions between prisoners.
Another key principle of social psychology is the importance of social norms. Social norms are the unwritten rules and expectations that govern behavior within a particular group (Gruman et al., 2017). For example, the norm against stealing is a social norm that is widely accepted in most societies. By understanding and manipulating social norms, policymakers can shape behavior and reduce criminal activity.
To apply this principle, criminal justice policymakers and practitioners should consider how social norms operate within the populations that they are dealing with. For example, if a particular community has a social norm against reporting criminal activity to the police, policymakers might consider introducing programs that aim to change this norm. Similarly, if a community has a social norm that glorifies violence, policymakers might consider introducing programs that aim to change this norm by promoting non-violent conflict resolution.
In general, social psychology highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in shaping behavior. By understanding the motivations and perspectives of individuals, policymakers can design interventions that are more effective at reducing criminal activity. Additionally, there are theories that general personality can influence criminal behavior. Eight risk factors that increase the likelihood of a person engaging in criminal behavior have been identified (Gruman et al., 2017). These include early onset of antisocial behavior, personal characteristics that facilitate criminal activity, antisocial attitudes, association with pro-criminal peers, negative parenting and family experiences, low levels of education or vocational achievement, poor use of leisure time, and drug/alcohol abuse.
To apply this principle, criminal justice policymakers and practitioners should consider the individual circumstances of the individuals that they are dealing with. For example, if a person is involved in criminal activity due to economic hardship, policymakers might consider introducing programs that aim to alleviate poverty and provide opportunities for economic advancement. Similarly, if a person is involved in criminal activity due to a history of trauma or mental illness, policymakers might consider introducing programs that aim to address these underlying issues.
By applying social psychology principles to the criminal justice system, policymakers and practitioners can gain insights into how to effectively prevent and address criminal behavior. By understanding social influence, social norms, and individual motivations, we can design interventions that are more effective at reducing crime and promoting a safer society.
Reference:
Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., and Coutts, L. M. (Eds.) (2017). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. ISBN 978-1-4833-6973-0
Applying social psychology concepts, theories, and practices to the criminal justice system is a fantastic way to understand the who and the why particular crimes can happen. Once the why has been established, social psychology can then be applied by means of community psychology in order to prevent recurrence.
Community psychologists strive to make positive changes to the community on the societal level with the goal of creating better environments and reducing problems in the future (Gruman et al., 2016). Using their understanding of social groups, from the family level to the neighborhood and even on to the cultural levels of societies. There are six proposed stages to achieving changes at the community level, the first of which is mass mobilization.
Mass mobilization is a temporary movement in which large numbers of group members drawn attention to a specific issue (Gruman et al., 2016). I feel that we have been taught to expect that bringing a group together to bring attention to a cause can result in change. Thinking back to high school (which was a long time ago for me, in the days of Backstreet Boys and JNCO jeans), my senior class took issue with a certain school policy that essentially prevented pregnant students from holding a place on any court – homecoming, prom, etc. This rule obviously only affected people who could become pregnant, and not the group of people who were responsible for getting the other pregnant. It became a matter of sexism. By mobilizing en masse, coming together with other teens in the area, we were able to draw attention to the unjust rule and spark change. We were able to support a particular candidate for school board who did win their seat. Once the seat was secured, that individual began to work to make a policy change to the district’s stance on pregnant students. The rule was amended and the verbiage changed so that no student was excluded from having a voted-in place on a court.
There are so many mass mobilizations in our current time, as more and more of us learn the power of coming together to spark change, that it can feel like nothing is changing. That we are spinning our wheels. I believe this is due to shooting for the moon and mobilizing for federal governmental changes before we have focused on citizen participation at the lower levels of governments. In our text, Gruman et al. (2016) point out that citizen participation is important at the community level in order to gain political power to influence on higher levels. Citizen participation at this level can provide a clear path to public advocacy for community concerns – possibly leading to larger governmental changes.
Mass mobilization is an important part of community psychology, though it’s only one step in the staircase to change. If all we ever do is mobilize to bring awareness without taking things further, we cannot expect to make many or much change.
References:
Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (2016). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems. Sage Publications, Incorporated.