Forensics: Differential Association Theory Ao1

Question 1

Who proposed differential association theory

Answer 1

Sutherland 1939

Question 2

What is differential association theory

Answer 2

• clear cause and effect links bet backrounds of ppl who become criminals and those who do not
• everyone is socialised diff bc we all have a unique set of people around us (differential)

Question 3

According to differential association theory, criminality arises from 2 factors ..

Answer 3

• learning attitudes towards crime
• learning of specific criminal acts

Question 4

Explain learning attitudes toward crime

Answer 4

• Pro - criminal attitude = crimiminality
• Sutherland argues if thr number of pro criminal attitudes a person aqquires outweighs the number of of anti criminal attitudes then go on to offend
• occurs when socalised into a group where they are exposed to certain values

Question 5

Learning specific acts of crime

Answer 5

Criminals are taught or can observe how to commit crimes and get away with it
eg how to pick a lock
these beh can then be reinforced

Question 6

how does diff ass predict crime

Answer 6

mathematically
based on frequency, intensity and duration of exposure to deviant and non deviant norms and values

Question 7

how can sutherlands theory explain reoffedning

Answer 7

inside prison inmates are exposed to pro criminal attitudes and specific techniques from experinced criminaks which they can put into practice when they get out