Describe 1 social psych exp of criminal behaviour (10)

• Para 1: differential association theory

  One social psychological explanation of criminal behaviour is Differential Association Theory (DAT), proposed by Sutherland (1939). It suggests that criminal behaviour is learned through social interaction, rather than inherited. People are socialised into crime by associating with others who hold pro-criminal attitudes. According to DAT, if an individual is exposed to more attitudes that favour crime than oppose it, they are more likely to offend. These attitudes are learned from intimate personal groups, such as family and peers, who may teach not only beliefs about crime but also specific techniques for committing it.
• Para 2: differential association theory

  The process of learning involves both direct and indirect reinforcement. For example, a child may be praised (direct reinforcement) or observe others being rewarded for criminal behaviour (vicarious reinforcement). Criminal behaviour is therefore learned in the same way as any other behaviour. Sutherland believed the strength of these influences depends on factors such as frequency, duration, and emotional intensity of the associations. He argued that general needs (e.g. money) do not explain crime, as not everyone with those needs becomes a criminal. Overall, DAT explains how individuals may develop criminal behaviour through exposure to deviant values, attitudes, and behaviours within their social environment.