Differential theory Flashcards
Differential association theory:
- Sutherland
- Offending is learned through socialisation and association with others
- Learn the pro-criminal values, attitudes, behaviour and motives
- May learn specific criminal techniques (How to spot an empty house)
- Criminals learn from: Parents, peers, co-workers, the media
- These people are criminal role models that we observe and imitate
- Crime is reinforced by the rewards and the expectation from our role models
Who studied the differential association theory ?
Sutherland
learned attitudes (Sutherland)
- Mathematical calculation as to whether someone will commit a crime based on non/deviant norms and values
- If you are exposed to pro-crime more than anti-criminal attitudes it leads to offending
- Pro crime > Anti-crime = offending
- High frequency pro-criminal attitudes
- High intensity pro-criminal attitudes
- High duration pro-criminal attitudes
Strength’s of differential association theory
Explains reoffending rates:
- By being surrounded by criminal attitudes
- Tends to make people more pro-criminal
- Crimes become normalised in prison due to the assoication
Solution to offending:
- Can be used to provide a solution to crime as used for early intervention programmes which prevent exposure to those at risk
- Allows for those to be identified beforehand
Limitations of differential association theory:
Subjective:
- Cannot be measured scientifically
- pro-criminal attitudes cannot be operationalised
- Abstract concepts which are difficult to measure objectivity and scientifically
Environmental determinism:
- Assumes individuals are shaped entirely by their environment and social interactions
- Doesn’t consider free will or the ability to make conscious moral choices
- Also ignores biological factors that can influence criminal behaviour
- Over-emphasises nurture and underplays our personal responsibility in actions
