Sutherlands Differential Association Theory Flashcards
1
Q
What was Sutherlands key idea?
A
He argued that we learn criminal behaviour through socialisation in social groups where the attitudes are law breaking.
2
Q
What are the 2 factors he described?
A
The 2 factors he described were
- imitation
- Learned attitudes
3
Q
Define Imitation
A
Where people can acquire criminal skills through observing those around them.
4
Q
Define learned attitudes
A
where socialisation with groups exposes them to criminal ideas.
5
Q
What is a good example of this theory?
A
White collar crime
- group attitudes in the work place often can normalise criminal behaviour by claiming everyone’s doing it. This is made easy to justify criminal behaviour.
6
Q
What are the strengths of this theory?
A
- Matthews found that juvenile delinquents are likely to have friends who commit antisocial acts suggesting they learn peer behaviour.
7
Q
What are the weaknesses of this theory?
A
- not everyone who is exposed to criminal influences becomes criminal
