Differential Association Theory

• what is the differential association theory?

  • if an individual experiences repeated attitudes which are positively associated with crime, rather than negatively (in terms of punishment), then they are more likely to engage in criminal behaviour.
  • the theory is seen as differential as it can come via many different avenues of interactions and experiences, which might be family, peers or the media among others
• how does differential association lead to offending behaviour outside of prison?

  • when a person is socialised into a group they will be exposed to values and attitudes towards the law.
  • some of these values will be pro-crime and they will go on to offend
  • in addition to being exposed to pro-crime attitudes, the would-be offender may also learn particular techniques for committing offences
• how does differential association lead to offending behaviour inside of prison?

  • the theory also accounts for why so many convicts released from prison go on to reoffend.
  • it is reasonable to assume that whilst inside prison inmates will learn specific techniques of offending from other, more experienced offenders, that they may put into practice upon their release
  • this learning may occur through observational learning and imitation or direct intuition from offending peers
• evaluation of differential association (1)

  • A criticism of differential association theory is that it assumes that people build up to committing crimes through a process of making favourable associations towards criminality, which does not explain impulsive crimes. For example, a person may commit a crime in a single moment without any or much forethought, such as in a fight or manslaughter and looking at their associations of crime will likely not show the pattern that Sutherland might predict. This is important because it shows that the theory is perhaps not complete.
• evaluation of differential association (2)

  • theory can account for offending within all sectors of society. whilst Sutherland recognised that some types of offences may be clustered by more affluent groups in society. Sutherland was particularly interested in so-called 'white-collar' or corporate offences and how this may be a feature of middle-class social groups who share deviant norms and values. this shows that it is not just the 'lower' classes who commit offences and that the principles of differential association can be used to explain all offences
• evaluation of differential association (3)

  • Sutherland suggested that the response of the family is crucial in determining whether an individual is likely to engage in offending. if the family is seen to support offending activity making it seem legitimate and reasonable then this becomes a major influence eon the child's value system. however, the fact that offending behaviour often seems to rin in families suggests a biological influence