Differential Association Theory Flashcards
What is Differential Association Theory (DAT)?
An explanation for offending which proposes that through interaction with others, individuals learn the values, attitudes, techniques and motives for offending behaviour.
What did Sutherland state was the scientific basis?
“The conditions which are said to cause crime should be present when crime is present, and they should be absent when crime is absent” His theory was designed to discriminate between those who do offend and do not no matter their background.
How is offending behaviour acquired and name the two factors it arises from?
Offending behaviour is acquired through a process of learning, by family and peer group.
Arises from:
Learned attitudes towards offending
Learning of specific offending acts/ techniques
What is Learned attitudes towards offending?
When a person is socialised into a group they become aware of the groups values and attitudes towards the law. This could be pro or anti crime, if pro-crime outweighs they will go onto offend.
What is Learning of specific offending acts/ techniques?
When exposed to pro-crime attitudes they will also learn techniques like how to break into someone house through a locked window
Why does this theory explain reoffending?
Prisoners learn techniques of offending off one and other, they may practice upon their release this is through observational learning and imitation or direct tuition from peers.
What is brief AO3 of DAT?
- Shifted focus from outdated biological theories HOWEVER, may stereotype individuals who come from impoverished
-Wide reach: can account for offending within all sections of society
- Difficult to test predictions of DAT
What are the strengths of DAT?
Changed focus of offending explanations . Moved away from Atavistic Form and offending as a weakness or immorality. DAT draws attention to environments to blame over people, realistic solution not eugenics. HOWEVER, may stereotype individuals who come from impoverished, suggests exposure to pro-crime is sufficient enough to produce offending in those who are exposed to it, ignores the fact people may not choose to offend despite influences
Can account for offending within all sections of society, also explore white-collar crimes and how middle class can share deviant values. Not just lower class who commit offences and principles can be used to explain all offences.
What are the weaknesses of DAT?
Difficult to test the predictions of DAT. Sutherland aimed to provide a scientific mathematical framework which future offending could be predicted. Concepts aren’t testable as they can’t be operationalised. Build on assumption offending behaviour occur when pro-crime value outnumbers anti-crime without being able to measure we cannot know at what point offending career is triggered. Theory does not have scientific credibility.
