differential association theory Flashcards
Differential association theory
An explanation for offending which proposes that, through interactions with others, individuals learn the values, attitudes, techniques and motives for criminal behaviour
pro-criminal attitudes
When a person is socialised into a group they will be exposed to values and attitudes towards the law. Some of the values will be pro-crime and some will be anti-crime. Sutherland argues that if the number of pro-criminal attitudes the person comes to acquire outweighs the number of anti-criminal attitudes ,they’ll go on to offend.
learning criminal acts
the would-be offender may also learn particular techniques for committing a crime. E.g how to break into someone’s house through a locked window. Sutherland’s theory can also account for why so many convicts released from prison go on to reoffend. It is reasonable to assume whilst inside prison inmates will learn specific techniques of offending from more experienced criminals which may make them eager to put them into practice.
learning criminal acts
the would-be offender may also learn particular techniques for committing a crime. E.g how to break into someone’s house through a locked window. Sutherland’s theory can also account for why so many convicts released from prison go on to reoffend. It is reasonable to assume whilst inside prison inmates will learn specific techniques of offending from more experienced criminals which may make them eager to put them into practice.
learning criminal acts
the would-be offender may also learn particular techniques for committing a crime. E.g how to break into someone’s house through a locked window. Sutherland’s theory can also account for why so many convicts released from prison go on to reoffend. It is reasonable to assume whilst inside prison inmates will learn specific techniques of offending from more experienced criminals which may make them eager to put them into practice.
