Drift & Neutralisation theory

Question 1

What is the drift & neutralization theory?

Answer 1

• It was theory set forth by Sykes and Matza during the 1960’s whilst they were conducting research for Differential Association. They looked at why people in their early 20’s started becoming law obiding citizens again.
• It was the idea that criminals have a set of ways to justify and explain their criminal behaviour.
• They presented the idea that delinquents must neutralise their social values in order to be guilt free of the crimes they are committing.

Question 2

What did Sykes and Matza believe about criminals?

Answer 2

• They were one of the first people to say that criminals are not different to us, they have the same norms and values, they’ve been raised in society and they believe the same things.