Differential Association Theory EVALUATION

Question 1

it has good explanatory power - crime

Answer 1

• The theory can account for crime in all sectors of society
• It can help our understanding of different types of crime

Question 2

Sutherland changed the spotlight from….

• what does sutherlands research draw attention to

Answer 2

• Sutherland moved the emphasis away from early biological accounts of crime e.g. Lombroso’s atavistic form
• It draws attention to the fact that dysfunctional social
  circumstances and environments may be more to blame for criminality than dysfunctional people
• It offers a more realistic solution to the problem of crime instead of eugenics

Question 3

It is difficult to test the theory

Answer 3

• It is unclear how we can measure the numbers of pro-criminals or anti-criminals a person is exposed to
• The theory does not provide a satisfactory solution to these issues

Question 4

there are alternative explanations

Answer 4

• Evidence that criminality runs in families could also be explained by genetic influence

Question 5

It may be an overly determinist explanation

Answer 5

• Not everyone exposed to criminal influences commits crime - The theory may stereotype people from poor backgrounds as ‘unavoidably criminal’
• The theory suggests exposure to pro-criminal values is enough to produce offspring in those who are exposed and ignores the fact that people may choose not to offend despite such influences
• Ultimately it may be environmentally determinist