Differential Association Theory- Sutherland Flashcards
What is Sutherland theory
Differential association theory
Studied white collar crime in the workplace
Imitation of criminal acts- individuals can acquire criminal skills and techniques through observing those around them
Criminal behaviour is a result of group socialisation within the family and Peer groups including the workplace
Criminal behaviour is normalised by group attitudes “every one is doing it” . This makes it easier for individuals to justify there own criminal actions
Strength 1
P- the fact that crime often runs in families supports this theory
E- people with criminal parents are more likely to become criminals themselves, perhaps because they have learned criminal values and techniques in the family
E- the supports the theory because it suggests that there is a link between socialisation and criminality
However this does not take into consideration genetics, crime could in through families due to genetic links
Strength 2
P- another strength is there is supporting evidence
E- matthews found that juvenile delinquents are more likely to have friends who commit anti social acts suggesting they have learned there behaviour from peer groups
E- this shows that the theory is accurate as people within these peer groups would more likely to have favourable attitudes towards crime allowing socialisation to take place
However it is difficult to prove causation. It could be that criminals seek out other criminal to hand out with when their criminality is already established Esther than learning criminal behaviour from them
Weakness
P- one weakness is that not everyone who is exposed to criminal influences becomes a criminal
E- they may learn how to commit crimes from family and peers but never put this into practice
E- this is a weakness as it shows that it doesn’t matter how long or how often some people spend with family or peers who and suggests that the person has an element of choice which this theory ignores
