Criminology Goes To The Movies: Film Analysis

In this film review, I will define social learning theory, and I will make a correlation connection between The Departed (2006) and a couple of the propositions within the social learning theory. Moreover, the values, attitudes, and culture among the characters. The definition of social learning theory will come from my interpretation from Criminology Goes to the Movies: Crime Theory and Popular Culture, written by Nicole Rafter and Michelle Brown. Social learning theory arose from the Chicago School and the Social Disorganization theory. In addition, Edwin H. Sutherland was the initial sociologists. Edwin Sutherland argued that there are nine propositions when regarding crime causation. I’m going to cover the first three, and the seventh proposition, which I think is significant. The first proposition states, “Criminal behavior is learned” (Rafter & Brown;2011, Pg.103). The second proposition claims, that criminal behavior is learned through interaction with other people in the process of communication. Thirdly, that through the process of communication, it is learned by an intimate personal group. Proposition seven states, “differential associations may vary in frequency, duration, priority, and intensity” (Rafter & Brown;2011, Pg. 103). In The Departed, we recognize all

We see this throughout the movie, in particular in Collin’s point of view. An example of intensity that we saw in the film was when Frank Castello was being followed by two unmarked vehicles, and Collin gave him a call regarding the vehicles. As a result, Frank yells at Collin through the phone to, “GET RID OF THE TAILS!” This scene was a great example of intense. Later, we observe Sullivan rush into a room, where the operation was taking place at. And commands the team to lay off Castello. Again, we see the priority of differential