This is the third part of a series on Theory and cybercrime. We talk with Dr. George Burruss, Associate Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Criminology at the university of south florida and affiliated with the Florida Cybersecurity Center. Dr Burruss has authored a number of papers working with social learning theory and is well qualified to help us learn more about how this theory can provide explanations for why people become cybercriminals.
More about the Guest :
http://intra.cbcs.usf.edu/PersonTracker/common/cfm/Unsecured/criminology/bio.cfm?ID=659
Papers Mentioned in this episode:
Thomas J. Holt, George W. Burruss & Adam M. Bossler (2010) SOCIAL LEARNING AND CYBER-DEVIANCE: EXAMINING THE IMPORTANCE OF A FULL SOCIAL LEARNING MODEL IN THE VIRTUAL WORLD, Journal of Crime and Justice, 33:2, 31-61, DOI: 10.1080/0735648X.2010.9721287
Burruss, G. W., Bossler, A. M., & Holt, T. J. (2013). Assessing the Mediation of a Fuller Social Learning Model on Low Self-Control’s Influence on Software Piracy. Crime & Delinquency, 59(8), 1157–1184. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011128712437915
Burruss, G. W., Holt, T. J., & Bossler, A. (2019). Revisiting the Suppression Relationship Between Social Learning and Self-Control on Software Piracy. Social Science Computer Review, 37(2), 178–195. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894439317753820
Other:
It is important to note that criminological theories discuss 'deviance' using the term without a negative connotation. It is used in the sense that a set of behaviours or attitudes diverge from the usual standards for a particular society. In this sense there is little difference between gang members, drug users, monks or fans of the insane clown posse. To make the idea of deviancy less alien, it helps to think of non-criminal groups that are different from the mainstream. In this case we discussed drug use and bronies as a way of placing hacking and digital piracy in a context of a different social group with associated definitions and values. Neither of us has a problem with bronies. Personally, I think that they are an important group helping to expose and break down traditional and potentially toxic gender roles. Also, they are a great example of the importance of art in both shaping and permitting wider societal expression. If you don't know what a brony is there are plenty of documentaries, but this page is quite helpful : https://haenfler.sites.grinnell.edu/subcultures-and-scenes/bronies/