L6. : Differential Association Theory

Differential association theory (DAT)

Offending is learnt through socialisation into the pro-criminal norms and values of a social group.

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.

Mathematical approach (DAT)

IF, exposure to deviant norms and values

OUTWEIGHS, exposure to non-deviant norms/values

THEN, offending will occur

Imitation and reinforcement (DAT)

Person imitates behaviour of social group so they are accepted by them.

Group will reinforce any offending (or non-offending) behaviour.

Rewards for offending must be greater than the rewards for not offending.

Learning techniques (DAT)

Offenders may even learn specific techniques from their social group (observation)

e.g. how to break into a house or pick-pocket

AO3: DAT - Research support

P- Strength = research support

E- Farrington et al. (2006): longitudinal study, boys aged 8-50, family criminality most important risk factor for later offending

C- However, correlational evidence; family criminality could be genetic factor

S- So, DAT is difficult to evidence

AO3: DAT - Untestable

P- Limitation = untestable

E- Difficult to operationalise pro-criminal attitudes; can’t quantify/compare

E- Without measurable variables, DAT cannot make falsifiable predictions

L- So, DAT is impractical and unscientific

AO3: DAT - Accounts for range of crime

P- Strength = accounts for range of crime

E- Explains white-collar crime in affluent social groups who share attitudes

E- Learn and justify financial/corporate crimes from professional networks

L- So, DAT has explanatory power

AO3: DAT - Focus on socialisation

P- Limitation = focus on socialisation

E- Overlooks cognitive factors like moral reasoning

E- Sees people as passive; ignores personal choice

L- So, DAT is determinist