Social explanation 1 - Diffrential association Flashcards
(16 cards)
What does Differential Association theory argue?
It argues that are behaviours are a result of nurture rather than nature. It is learned from our social groups.
Who developed the Differential Association theory and how does it link to criminal behaviour?
Developed by Sutherland. He argued that criminals are not born they are made as a result of their socialisation. The theory refers to how frequent you interact with your social groups, if you interact more with groups that have positive outlooks on crime you are more likely to commit a crime.
What is the A01 Content?
- Learned attitudes towards offending
- Learning of specific offending acts/techniques
- Application - socialisation in prison, delinquency programmes and
links to organised crime
How does Sutherland describe ‘learned attitudes towards offending’ ?
He argues that criminals are not born yet they are a result of who they are surrounded by (their intimate personal groups e.g. friends and family) Processes are learnt through direct and in direct communication, attitudes are learnt towards crime. If these attitudes view crime as a good thing they are more likely to commit crime. For example, those within a delinquent gang are more likely to commit crime because it is normalised within their group.
How does Sutherland describe ‘learning of specific acts of offending’?
He argues that you not only learn attitudes towards crime from your close groups but you learn techniques on how to commit certain crimes. He said that we learn how and why we may commit a crime in an acceptable way.
How can ‘Differential Association’ vary?
It can vary in a number of ways e.g., frequency, inentisty and duration of the association.
How does Sutherlands theory explain why people re-offend after prison?
Whilst offenders are in prison it is likely that they learn techniques of new crimes they may not have learnt before. They further solidify these attitudes and therefore may practice these new learnings when they are released. This can occur through observational learning or direct tuition from inmates.
Outline how DA has been applied
Delinquency programmes have become apparent, 20 individuals that lived at home were assigned this programme. It involved group interaction where they interacted with each other intensely. Following the programme this community was still established and support was available off required. This proved to lower recidivism.
How could you use the Mafia to support DA?
The Mafia is a good example of DA. Usually it involves connections between experienced and less experienced individuals, they learn techniques, attitudes etc from one another and therefore the crimes are normalised. Due to the nature of this crime group they are rarely exposed to legal abiding individuals so do not consider these values. This creates a cycle of constant reinforcement.
Evaluation - Osbourne and West. Research support
This study showed that there was a higher rate of criminality in sons who had a criminally convicted father in comparison to those who didn’t. This suggests that the son learnt attitudes and techniques from the father and was able to apply them successfully.
Evaluation strength - Shift in focus
This theory massively shifted a focus from the blame culture of crime, the blame was reflected onto the social setting rather than the individual itself. This had real life implications in learning environments.
Evaluation - Explained more types of crime
Sutherland introduced the theory of white collar crime and the idea that crime did not have to be committed by the working class. Non violent crimes e.g., fraud could be explained by DA through white collar crimes.
Evaluation - Where does this put the blame?
This may shift the focus from the individual and blame the acts on the people the criminal associates with. It may risk stereotypes of those who come from crime-ridden and aggressive backgrounds.
Evaluation - Methodological issues.
Some have argued that the theory is not testable, it does not have a predictable validity as we can only identify aspects that could lead to criminality after the crime has been committed. It is not clear how much unfavourable or favourable attitudes it would take to tip the balance.
Evaluation - Does not account for all types of crimes
Social influence is most likely to be confined to smaller crimes rather than violent crimes. It is only a partial explanation for the offending behaviour.
Evaluation - Most crimes are committed by the younger generation?
This explanation does not describe how most crimes are committed by people under the age of 21, if it is due to socialisation then surely most crime would be seen in adults after this socialisation has taken place.
