Differential association theory

What is differential association theory

Proposes that individuals learn values, attitudes, techniques, and motives for offending behaviour through interaction with others - especially with people who hold pro-criminal attitudes.

What is the scientific basis of the theory

Sutherland aimed to create scientific principles explaining all types of crime. He suggested that if crime is learned, it should only occur when the right conditions are present.

How is offending learnt

Offending is a learned behaviour acquired through social interactions with significant others:

• Attitudes towards crime (pro- or anti-criminal values)

• Techniques for committing crimes

If pro criminal attitudes outweigh anti criminal attitudes they are more likely to offend

What are learning techniques

Potential offenders may learn practical methods for committing crimes (e.g. breaking into houses, disabling alarms) through association with others

Socialisation in prison

Prison may increase offending by reinforcing pro-criminal norms and techniques, leading to further offending after release

Shift of focus AO3

Strength

Sutherland moved explanations of crime away from biology (e.g. Lombroso’s atavism) and theories that suggested offending was due to weakness towards social and environmental causes

Making the theory more modern and humane

Shift of focus counterpoint AO3

It ignores that not everyone exposed to pro-crime attitudes offends - individual free will and personal choice also matter.

Wide reach AO3

Strength

The theory can explain different types of crime (white-collar and blue-collar), since both involve learned attitudes.

Not just lower class commit crime

Difficulty testing AO3

Limitation

Can’t operationalise the variables

It’s hard to measure and operationalise “pro-criminal attitudes” or how exposure to them is quantified, making the theory lack scientific credibility.

Nurture or nature AO3

Limitation

Sutherland’s theory focuses on nurture (social learning), but intergenerational offending may also reflect genetic factors, suggesting a combination of both.