Sutherland’s Differential Association Theory

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

Individuals learn criminal behaviour largely through family and peer groups.

Question 2

Result of two factors

Answer 2

Imitation – individuals learn criminal skills and techniques by
observing those around them
Learned attitudes – socialisation into attitudes and values
about the law and the CJS.

Question 3

Example of studies

Answer 3

Studied white-collar crime and found the group attitude in the workplace often normalised criminal behaviour.

Question 4

Strengths

Answer 4

Matthews found that juvenile
delinquents were more likely
to have friends who commit
anti-social acts, suggesting
criminal behaviour is learnt in
peer groups.

Sutherland had evidence that the
attitudes of work groups can
normalize white collar crime,
enabling offenders to justify their
behaviour.

Question 5

Weaknesses

Answer 5

Not everyone who is exposed to
criminal influences becomes a
criminal. A person might learn how
to commit a crime but never put it
into practice.