The Social Process Theory explains that criminal behavior develops through influence of people thats around somebody. People learn criminal behavior through their connections with their friends and family members as well as by witnessing different things that sometimes come out with positive outcomes for example making money, two essential theories in this context are Differential Association Theory and Social Learning Theory.
The women demonstrate these theories through each of their individual development.
Like Stony began her journey after losing her brother. She was hesitant at first but later learns from her friends that bank robbery is an opportunity for her to regain control. Through Social Learning Theory she picks up the behaviors she see’s in others in this case its her friends the other 3 women, they seemed to produce successful outcomes so she followed along.
Cleo shows fearlessness while not showing any trust in authority figures. The environment she grew up in exposed her to criminal activities that taught her that following rules wouldn’t protect her. According to the Differential Association Theory she introduces her aggressive criminal perspective to the group which lead them to pick up similar behaviors.
Frankie transformed her behavior after she got fired unfairly at her job. The system’s betrayal made her see crime as a way to fight injustice. The time she spends with Cleo and the others had an effect on her to pick up crime.
T.T. Is the most caring and quiet member in the group she never wanted to break the law until she lost her son which made her desperate. Through her friends she found support which eventually led her to follow their criminal ways in accordance with Social Learning Theory.
They weren’t born criminals but their environment shaped their decisions and their relationships together. their emotions and losses became the primary factors that dictated their choices. The Social process theory demonstrates how personal relationships together with learned behaviors drives people toward dangerous and unlawful decisions.
characters appear from left to right in the picture below :
1. Frankie (Vivica A. Fox) – A former bank teller who lost her job after being falsely accused of helping robbers. Frankie joined her friends to take back control of their lifes and to get revenge on the her that wronged her.
2. T.T. (Kimberly Elise) – A quiet single mother who at first didn’t want to join the heists but later turned to crime because of her financial situation and the need to take care of her child.
3. Cleo (Queen Latifah) – A strong woman with a tough exterior and a love for cars. Cleo is loyal to her friends and willing to take extreme risks, driven by her desire for freedom and excitement.
4. Stony (Jada Pinkett Smith) – A hardworking woman who turned to bank robbery after her brother was killed by police. She’s the emotional one of the group, struggling between her morals and her desperation for a better life.
