The Jack Roller Analysis
The initial element of Stanley’s delinquency is the punishment and abuse of his stepmother. Stanley had grown an immense hatred for his stepmother, so separated that we never learn his stepmother’s name. He describes his hatred numerous times, saying “I developed a hatred against her that still lasts; a hatred that was so burning that when she would look into my eyes she would read it there, and in that way she knew my feeling. ” (50) Although Stanley disliked his stepmother, she was one of the first influencers of his criminal activity.
In the book, Stanley describes his first experience of his stepmother’s encouragement toward delinquency. “One day my stepmother told William to take me to the railroad yard to break into box-cars. ” (52) After multiple successful burglaries, the stepmother began to see their delinquency as something to reward. Stanley said the reasons for her requested increase in stealing, “My stealing had proved to be very profitable to her, so why not make it even more profitable? ” Stealing was very common in his neighborhood and it wasn’t unusual that these acts were approved by parents.
I’d say that these statements directly relate to social learning theory. According to Applying Criminological Theory to The Jack-Roller written by Ashley Ellenz, Sutherland lays out this theory into nine prepositions. The first, criminal behavior is learned. (2070) Stanley has been shown how to commit crimes, and commit crimes successful by others. The most important aspect of learning criminal behavior is the moral code that stands behind it. Based on his encouragement from his stepmother, he is taught the crime is an acceptable, and encouraged among his society. In conclusion, Stanley’s influences from his stepmother and his surroundings adjusted his societal norms to include deviant activities. Because of his lack of attachment to an individual or an activity such as school or work, he did not receive backlash for his criminal behavior. His punishment was all directed towards himself and any second-hand punishment by his peers was not received by Stanley because he lacked attachment abilities.
