All in the Game: Social Learning Theory in Seasons Four and Five of The Wire

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

This project analyzes how social learning theory is represented in seasons four and five of The Wire. The Wire, which aired on HBO from 2002 to 2008, was chosen because it is both critically acclaimed and known for its realistic depiction of crime and society in inner city Baltimore. This research is an illustration of how The Wire exemplifies the parts four major aspects of social learning theory—differential association, definitions, differential reinforcement, and imitation. I paid special attention to the children who were the main focus of season four of The Wire. This project concludes with an analysis of the final outcomes and behaviors of these characters in the fifth and final season of the series. More specifically, the project focuses on how the characters’ learned definitions, differential associations, differential reinforcements, and imitations influenced their eventual criminal or noncriminal behaviors.

Author

• Carlee Rae Brown, Buena Vista University