Differential Association

• What does Edwin Sutherland believe influences whether a person commits crime?

  The opinion of people they care about
• What is the term created by Edwin Sutherland that refers to the cultural pressures involved in criminal activity?

  Differential association
• How does Sutherland view criminality in relation to culture?

  Criminality is participation in a cultural tradition
• What does the concept of socialization refer to in the context of differential association?

  Learning norms and values from the people around us
• How do pro-criminal attitudes influence an individual's likelihood to commit crime according to differential association theory?

  The more people with pro-criminal attitudes around them, the more likely they are to commit crime
• What role does reinforcement play in the context of differential association theory?

  It provides social approval or disapproval for actions
• What is one way that criminal techniques are learned according to differential association theory?

  They are passed down from generations or peer groups
• What is an example of a material benefit that criminals might receive from committing crimes?

  Financial gain from theft
• What type of crime did Sutherland write about that is committed by high-status individuals?

  White collar crime
• How does differential association theory explain the acceptance of bank robbery in some peer groups?

  It varies based on the cultural norms of the peer group
• What is a practical application of differential association theory in the criminal justice system?

  Do not place first-time offenders with experienced criminals in prison
• What was Sutherland's stance on the idea of born criminals?

  He completely rejected the idea
• What is a major criticism of differential association theory regarding gender and crime?

  It does not explain why males commit more crimes despite similar socialization
• What is the issue with evidence related to differential association theory?

  It is often correlational and difficult to separate genetic and social influences
• What is the process called when individuals seek out others with similar criminal attitudes?

  Niche picking
• What are the key components of differential association theory?

  • Criminality is learned through socialization
  • Influenced by the attitudes of those around us
  • Pro-criminal attitudes increase likelihood of crime
  • Techniques of offending are passed down
  • Reinforcement through social approval/disapproval
• What are the implications of differential association theory for community interventions?

  • Change narratives in communities with pro-criminal attitudes
  • Offer alternative rewarding opportunities
  • Avoid mixing first-time offenders with experienced criminals
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of differential association theory?

  Strengths:

  • Rejects biological determinism
  • Explains both violent and white-collar crime

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Does not account for gender differences in crime
  • Evidence is often correlational
  • Lacks clarity on genetic vs. social influences