Differential Association Theory

• Differential association theory is based upon the principles of Social Learning Theory

  • Observation (O)
  • Imitation (I)
  • Role Models (RM)
  • Vicarious Reinforcement (VR)
• Differential association theory was created by Edwin Sutherland who explained criminality as ‘participation in a cultural tradition and as the result of association with representatives of that culture’ meaning criminal behaviour is a learned response.
• How can socialisation be applied to prisons?

  Sutherland’s theory can be applied to why so many offenders go on to reoffend because they are exposed to more pro-criminal views from those around them. This will lead to a need for social acceptance from those around them; causing offenders to go on to reoffend.
• Everyone is socialised differently as we all have a unique set of people around us, this is differential association. Criminals are socialised, but learn deviant norms and values because people they associate with have pro-criminal attitudes. The more of these attitudes people experience the more likely they are to commit crime.
• How is the socialisation process reinforced?

  Behaviours are reinforced by the expectations of the people we associate with, they provide approval and disapproval. Criminals will approve of other criminals' behaviour.
• Specific offending techniques and behaviours are passed down to the next generation or within peer groups (eg. how to pick a lock, commit a tax fraud, etc).
• Reinforcement can also influence the likelihood of offending, such as receiving material rewards or high status, especially if the rewards are greater than the rewards available for not offending.