Evaluate differential association theory

Strength is the differential association theory is the shift of focus

Sutherland moved emphasis away from early biolgocial explanations (e.g Lombroso) and from theories of offending as the product of individual weakness or immorality l.

Differential association theory draws attention to deviant social circumstances and environments as being more to blame for offending than deviant people

This approach offers a more realistic solution to offending instead of eugenics (biolgocial solution) or punishment (the morality solution)

Counterpoint to differential association theory is the shift of focus

P: This theory links to environmental determinism as it suggests that offending behaviour occurs because of too many interactions and associations with pro-crime attitudes.
E: It does not consider that not everyone who is exposed to criminal influences become criminals themselves.
E: Therefore the differential association theory ignores the role of free will and that some people may choose not to commit crimes despite being exposed to these influences.

AO3 Point 1 PEE Strength

P: A major strength of differential association theory is the contribution it made towards changing people's views about the origins of criminal behaviour.
E: The theory contributed heavily to shifting the blaming of individual factors from biology to social factors and experiences.
E: This presents real world implications as the learning enviroments could be changed to address this (through social policies) where as previously the acceptance of genetics being the key influencer in offending left little alternatives as genes can't be altered. Sutherland's work also contributed to highlighting the transgressions of middle class people rather than those of only lower social standing highlighting the different forms of crime are commited by people of all backgrounds.

point 2

AO3 Point 2

P: Although Sutherland pointed out that crime should be
considered on an individual basis there is a danger that this
theory may lead to negative stereotypes of individuals who
come from certain 'crime ridden' backgrounds, as being
destined to become a criminals.
E: Therefore this theory could be seen as socially sensitive and could lead to negative consequences for individuals from these backgrounds