The criminological theories under consideration for this study are social disorganization, differential and social learning theory, and developmental criminology. The three theories are highly related regarding how Gerardo Lopez became involved in MS-13 and how he got out. Social disorganization is a theoretical framework that explains ecological disparities in crime rates by looking at structural and cultural elements that shape the structure of social order in different communities. It’s vital to highlight that crime and violence thrive when a community and its members are destitute, fighting for jobs, and have little knowledge of the people around them (Posick, 2018, pg. 41). While the environment is a contributing factor, we can point out that Lopez joined the gang because of the pressure around him. He states that he had never wished to be part of the gang, but influence from the people around him got him trapped.
Lopez illustrates how Nelson got him convinced to join the gang. As (Posick, 2018, pg. 45) highlights, if residents cannot form strong bonds or have common investments, crimes will likely rise. This is because most of those who are financially well off are more organized than those with low income. According to Lopez, Ms-13 is the tragic outcome of a tragic environment. Upon joining the gang, he could feel connected and in a strong bond. In a nutshell, social disorganization accounts for a larger percentage of the crimes committed. Reducing criminal cases demands dynamic models that would attract change in the community. The video shows that Lopez got convinced to change by getting too close to his immediate relatives, who always prayed and asked him to change.
According to the differential and social learning theory, people learn criminal conduct, attitudes, tactics, and motivations through their associations with others. According to (Posick, 2018, pg. 69), criminal behavior is taught from one person to another. The primary foundation of social learning theories is the assumption that individual learns from and rebuke others’ behaviors. Many situations that Lopez came across are evidence of social learning theories. Lopez confesses in the video that he had never wished to be part of the gang. He learned that Nelson, being a member of the gang, was celebrated and respected for who he was. He wondered what it would be to be like him, and that night, he decided, at 14 years, to join MS-13. (Posick, 2018, pg. 70) postulates that criminal behavior is just like anything else and is learned from those you are close to.
It is worth noting that criminal conduct is primarily a social behavior acquired from interactions with people who are victims of such criminal behaviors. This understanding confirms that Lopez could not have been subject to criminal behavior had he not learned from Nelson. Social interactions can ultimately change someone’s behavior to the positive side than only turning out criminal. Being a member of the gang got him tired, and he was worried about how he saw his family suffer. Since his family interacted with him more often while still in prison, he saw the need to change and later transformed. His love for MS-13 started to fade.
Developmental criminology theory holds that early childhood is an important period that influences later health and behavioral outcomes. Developmental theories are concerned with how beings change over time (Posick, 2018, pg. 121). Most developmental theorists hold that personality traits among individuals are relatively stable people may change as they progress with life. According to Posick, some individuals with records of criminal behavior changed over time and disconnected themselves completely. However, some offenders never changed from childhood to adulthood. This suggests that there is the possibility that people may continue or change over their life courses. It is important to note that social bonds and ties exist in society, but it is up to the individuals to decide whether to establish and maintain those bonds (Posick, 2018, pg. 125).
From the case of Lopez, we find out that he is a true reflection of this developmental theory. When he left jail, he met Alex Sanchez, a former member of the MS-13 gang. Sanchez had started a gang intervention group and wanted Lopez to join. Although Lopez was hesitant in the first place, he finally joined the group. The group’s ultimate aim was to help young kids get out of all forms of criminal behavior. Generally, he aims to ensure that youths do not risk making the same mistakes he made. Lopez highlights that most people are not lucky but are judged and punished by society for their past. Upon realizing that change is possible, he associated himself with people who inspired him to the point of leading a gang intervention group. Lopez argues that about 70% of kids who try to leave gangs find it hard because they lack a support system. The best option to get kids out of such criminal behavior is to create an environment that will support them in their way. It is important to note that the sense of self-esteem that a gang gives you is ultimately false. Developmental criminology argues that criminal behavior among individuals starts as early as possible. However, growing in an environment that intervenes in controlling criminal behavior would be a significant solution to this vice.
Reference
Posick, C. (2018). The Development of Criminological Thought: Context, Theory, and Policy. Routledge.
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