Differential Association Theory Flashcards

1
Q

what is the AO1 for differential association theory

A
  • social learning theory of crime, first proposed by Sutherland in 1939 but still viewed by many criminologists as having high temporal validity today.
  • Theory suggests that crime is learned through the relationships and associations we form with those around us (associating with different people).
  • The theory has a scientific/mathematical basis.
  • Sutherland predicted that we would be able to predict whether or not an individual will turn to criminal behaviour by literally counting up the number of pro-criminal associations he/she makes, and comparing them to the number of anti-criminals associations an individual makes.
  • If pro criminal exposure outweighs anti-criminal exposure then this will produce a criminal.
  • Associations include any exposure to anti or pro criminal norms and values, through real relationships/role models, social norms/groups, media etc.
  • These associations could be attitudes towards crime or they could even be techniques (learning how to pick locks, for example).
  • This theory explains why so many criminals go on to re-offend after being in prison.
  • Inmates will form new associations and learn new techniques from one another which they can put into practise upon release.
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2
Q

what are the +ve AO3 points for the differential association theory

A
  • explanatory power
  • positive impact
  • Research support from adoption studies (Mednick)
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3
Q

expand on the +ve AO3 point, explanatory power

A
  • Sutherland’s theory does not discriminate against any social/cultural group.
  • He was particularly interested in the white collar crimes of the middle classes (e.g. fraud) and differential association theory can explain why people of the middle classes might turn to criminal activity (they learn it from the role models around them!).
  • This is a massive strength because not all explanations of criminal behaviour fit all backgrounds and types of crime.
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4
Q

expand on the +ve AO3 point, positive impact

A
  • Sutherland departed from biological theories of criminality at the time and derived a theory which did not discriminate according to class/race/ethnic background.
  • It is essentially the antithesis of Lombroso’s theory. By focusing on nurture instead of nature the approach opens the way for proactive solutions to the problem to be implemented
  • These could involve education, exposure to positive role models, moderation of media/exposure through government policies and laws to protect young people from pro-criminal influence
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5
Q

expand on the +ve AO3 point, Research support from adoption studies (Mednick)

A
  • Mednick (1984) found that boys whose biological parents had no criminal record but were adopted by parents with a criminal record were more likely to go on to offend themselves than boys whose biological and adoptive parents had no criminal record.
  • This illustrates the importance of exposure to possible pro-criminal role models, supporting the validity of the theory.
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6
Q

what are the -ve AO3 points for the differential association theory

A
  • difficulty of measurement
  • abstract notion
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7
Q

expand on the -ve AO3 point, difficulty of measurement

A
  • Although the theory has great explanatory power, it is impossible to measure how many pro-criminal and anti-criminal associations any individual is being exposed to during their lifetime.
  • You cannot possibly accurately observe or even self-report these associations (childhood memories being unreliable for example).
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8
Q

expand on the -ve AO3 point, abstract notion

A
  • Abstract notion: There is no specific figure that is reported as the “danger” score- when we do the calculation of the pro minus anti social associations is it a score of 10, 50, 200, 1000 that makes us vulnerable to offending?
  • This undermines the scientific credibility of differential association theory.
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