Differential Association Theory

Question 1

Sutherland’s Theory

Answer 1

Developed set of scientific principles that could explain all types of offending
Individuals learn values, attitudes, motives for offending behaviour via interaction with others

Social learning theory of crime

Question 2

Crime as a learned behaviour

Answer 2

Offending arises from 2 factors:
1. Learned attitudes towards offending
2. Learning of specific acts

Question 3

Pro-criminal attitudes

Answer 3

If number of pro - criminal attitudes the person acquires outweighs number of anti - criminal, person is more likely to offend

Question 4

Mathematical Prediction

Answer 4

Should be possible to mathematically predict how likely it is an individual will commit offences

Freq + Intensity + Duration = likelihood of offending

Question 5

Reoffending due to socialisation in prison

Answer 5

Reasonable to assume that whilst inside inmates will learn specific techniques of offending from other criminals
^ may occur from observational learning/imitation

Question 6

Evaluation (Weaknesses)

Answer 6

Not Generalised
- Sutherland particularly interested in ‘white collar/corporate crime’ - feature of MC

Question 7

Evaluation (Strengths)

Answer 7

Social Circumstances/Environment
- Creates focus on social circumstances instead of individual weakness/immorality

Research Support
- Bowlby 44 thieves study, supports theory that response of family is crucial in determining if individual is likely to engage in offending