Differential association theory

Question 1

What is differential association theory

Answer 1

Differential association theory proposes that offending is learnt through socialisation (Sutherland, 1939)

Pro-criminal attitudes/behaviour occur through association and relationships with other people (friends, family etc.).

We learn our norms and values from other people, even deviant ones. Offending is more likely to occur where the social group values deviant behaviour

Question 2

How is offending behaviour learnt

Answer 2

Offending behaviours/techniques are passed on from one generation to another or between peers.

Everyone’s associations are different (differential association). Expectations/attitudes of those around us act to reinforce our behaviours through acceptance/approval.

Reinforcement also affects offending behaviour – if rewards for offending are greater than the rewards for not offending, offending is more likely to occur

Question 3

Differential association theory eval (+)

Answer 3

+ Explains Crime Across All Social Classes:
Sutherland recognised that while crimes like burglary are more common in inner-city, working-class areas, other crimes—like white-collar or corporate crime—are more prevalent among the middle and upper classes. This means the theory can explain a wide range of criminal behaviour across the social spectrum, not just one group.

+ Moved Focus Away from Biological and Moral Explanations:
Before this theory, criminal behaviour was often seen as the result of genetic flaws or moral failings. Sutherland shifted the focus to social learning and environment, showing how criminal behaviour could be learned through interactions with others in dysfunctional environments.

+ Promotes More Ethical and Realistic Solutions:
Unlike biological approaches (which led to unethical ideas like eugenics) or morality-based approaches (focused mainly on punishment), differential association theory encourages more constructive interventions—such as improving social environments and addressing learned behaviours.

Question 4

Differential association theory eval (-)

Answer 4

• Lacks Scientific Testability:
  One major criticism is that the theory is hard to test scientifically. It’s unclear how to objectively measure how many “pro-criminal” attitudes someone has been exposed to. Most of the supporting evidence is correlational, which means it doesn’t prove cause and effect. therefore, we can’t be certain that criminal influences cause crime.
• Assumes Passive Learning – Ignores Free Will:
  The theory assumes that individuals are passively shaped by their environment and that crime will occur once pro-criminal values outweigh anti-criminal ones. However, not everyone who grows up in a high-crime area becomes a criminal. The theory ignores personal choice and free will. Some people might actively choose to reject criminal influences, or even seek out criminal groups themselves, suggesting a more active decision-making process.