differential association

• • Criminal behaviour is learned 
  • It is learned through communication with close personal groups (associations) 
  • Everyone's associations are different - differential associations 
  • Believed we learn values, attitudes and techniques for criminal behaviour based on our associations 
  • We can mathematically predict the likelihood of criminal behaviour based on… the frequency, intensity and duration of exposure of the person to associates, who show either criminal or non-criminal values/norms 
• principles of differential association:

  learned behaviour - criminal behaviour is learned not inherited

  differential associations vary - the frequency, duration and intensity of associations impact criminal behaviour

  definitions of law - individuals learn to define laws as favourable or unfavourable, influencing their criminal behaviours
• criminal behaviours of the individual may be vicariously or directly reinforced. They may observe an associate committing a particular crime and getting away with it so be more likely to commit the crime themself as they believe they will also be rewarded. They may be directly praised by associates such as friends or family for their criminal behaviours, and so will be more likely to commit the crimes again.