Sutherland's differential association/cultural transmission theory

Question 1

When did Sutherland develop this theory?

Answer 1

1939

Question 2

what perspective is this theory?

Answer 2

Interactionist

Question 3

what does it argue?

Answer 3

That deviant behaviour is learned in the same way as any other behaviour, through interpersonal communication and social interaction in small, intimate groups.

That the more excess definitions favourable to law violation encourages deviance.

Question 4

What does this theory explain?

Answer 4

He explains crime in terms of the learning process, not in terms of personality, poverty, stress, or biological or psychological abnormality.

when interacting with others usually in primary groups- individuals confront various definitions of behavior, where some are favourable to law violation.

Question 5

define techniques of neutralisation, what is it?

Answer 5

It also argues that much of delinquent behaviour is based on rationalisation or justifications that the perpetrator sees as valid, therefore they don’t define their behaviour as deviant.

This is a technique of neutralisation where they may deny responsibility, injury, or the existence of a victim, defining condemners as deviant, etc.

Question 6

what are the criticisms of this theory?

Answer 6

This theory does not account for biological or genetic factors that may contribute to criminal behaviour.

Question 6

why do they neutralise?

Answer 6

Without damaging self-image, rationalisations neutralise and or deflect disapprove arising from a discrepancy between internalised norms and behaviour.