'L6. Differential Association Theory'

Differential association

theory (DAT):1

Offending is learnt through

socialisation into the pro-

criminal norms and values of

a social group.

Differential association

theory (DAT):2

All attitudes and behaviours

are learnt through

association with other

people, so offending is more

likely to occur when a social

group values deviant

behaviour.

P1

Strength = research support

E1

Farrington et al. (2006):

longitudinal study, boys aged 8-

50, family criminality most

important risk factor for later

offending

C1

However, correlational evidence;

family criminality could be

genetic factor

S

So, DAT is difficult to evidence

P2

Limitation = untestable

E2.1

Difficult to operationalise pro-

criminal attitudes; can’t

quantify/compare

E2.2

Without measurable variables,

DAT cannot make falsifiable

predictions

L2

So, DAT is impractical and

unscientific

P3

Strength = accounts for range

of crime

E3.1

Explains white-collar crime in

affluent social groups who

share attitudes

E3.2

Learn and justify

financial/corporate crimes

from professional networks

L3

So, DAT has explanatory power