What is a state, local, or federal program with elements that exemplify the application of social process and social theories?

A state, local, or federal program with elements that exemplify the application of social process and social theories can be found in correctional facilities, in particular those for young offenders.

• Social process and social development

These two theories focus on the belief that social behavior is learned through the interaction that takes place between an individual and society. As a child grows, the events and circumstances surrounding its life influence its social development.

• Learning wrong

For instance, it is believed that if a child witnesses regular violence and other unsociable behavior, it is far more likely to commit a violent crime later on in life. Statistics also show that children who have been victims of sexual abuse often become sexual offenders themselves.

• Correcting wrong

Local, state and federal institutions created as correctional facilities for young offenders put these theories into practice by adhering to a system that is frequently referred to as social control.

• Social control

This is a system with the focus on shaping the behavior of an individual within a group. Correct, or acceptable, behavior is encouraged with rewards, such as privileges, etc. In other words, accepting and making use of proper behavior is slowly becoming seen as a good thing.

Behavior that goes against the rules of social acceptability are punished with sanctions, withdrawal of privileges, etc. Theft, violence and general abuse among inmates is punished through sanctions ranging in severity in accordance with the acts committed.

It is hoped that inmates will learn the lessons imparted by the system as time goes by, and will eventually leave better prepared for a non-criminal life in society.

A period of probation after their incarcerations gives them a chance to prove that they have learned those lessons and are able to continue to display acceptable behavior within society.