Differential association theory

Question 1

Differential association theory

Answer 1

An explanation for offending which proposes that through interaction with others, individuals learn the values, attitudes, techniques and motives for offending behaviour

Question 2

Scientific basis

Answer 2

• Sutherland
• Offending is learned behaviour
• Set of principles to explain all types of offending

Question 3

Offending as a learned behaviour

Answer 3

• Significant other (role model)
• Predict how likely we are to offend
• Learning attitudes
• Learning techniques

Question 4

Reinforcement applied to the differential association theory

Answer 4

Positive – rewards; eg. Money, items, pleasure from inflicting pain

Negative – paying off debt?

Vicarious – see someone else receiving the above and thinking they want it for themselves!

Question 5

Learning attitudes

Answer 5

Offending occurs if exposure to pro-crime outweigh anti-crime attitudes

Question 6

Learning techniques

Answer 6

Learn particular techniques for committing offences

Question 7

Socialisation in prison

Answer 7

Learning opportunities explain why so many prisoners go on to reoffend

Question 8

Differential association theory evaluation points- Shift in focus

Answer 8

STRENGTH

Away from biological accounts (Lombroso) or accounts of weakness and immorality

Question 9

Differential association theory evaluation points- Shift in focus counterpoint

Answer 9

LIMITATION

Risks stereotyping people from pro-crime backgrounds, ignores individual decision-making

Question 10

Differential association theory evaluation points- Wide reach

Answer 10

STRENGTH

Can account for both working-class and ‘white-collar crime’

Question 11

Differential association theory evaluation points- Difficulty testing

Answer 11

LIMITATION

Concepts hard to operationalise (E.g. measure pro-crime attitudes a person is exposed to)