He argues that male delinquents are equally commited to society's norms and values and that criminals often express remerse or regret. He argues they ‘drift' into deviant activities and its not as much choice as it is impulsivity. He said most of us have the same subterranean values and we can't keep them under control. Matza suggests some of us will have temporary episodes of deviance.
Matza’s Drift Theory
He argued if we know we are doing wrong, we share the same values as the rest of society and we will make excuses for the behaviour: techniques of neutralistion.
denial of responsibility : wasn't me, wasn't my fault
denial of injury : it didn't hurt , they have insurance
denial of the victim : they deserved it, what did you expect
condemnation of the condemners : you’re just as bad, you're only blaming me
appeal to higher loyalties : I did it to help my family/friends, I did it for my country/race/religion
