Forensics Flashcards
Differential associations (AO1)
Differential Association (DA) theory posits that an individual’s propensity for criminal behavior is directly influenced by the number and intensity of their associations with criminals. A higher ratio of interactions with offenders compared to law-abiding individuals increases the likelihood of criminal involvement, establishing a positive correlation. This theory suggests that individuals acquire criminal behaviors through social interactions, wherein they internalize both techniques and rationalizations for illegal activities. The most significant influence stems from intimate personal groups—such as close friends or family members—who serve as primary agents of social learning. For instance, a young individual growing up in an environment where immediate family members engage in fraud may not only learn the technical aspects of deception but also adopt a mindset that justifies or normalizes such actions.
Moreover, DA theory asserts that individuals develop attitudes toward the legal system based on their exposure to pro-criminal or anti-criminal viewpoints. Those who repeatedly engage with criminal circles may come to perceive certain laws as unjust or irrelevant, thereby fostering a cognitive framework that favors deviance. Over time, this exposure contributes to a dispositional shift, wherein criminal behavior becomes an expression of one’s learned values and perceived needs. The frequency, duration, and intensity of these associations dictate the depth of influence, making criminality not merely an impulsive act but a systematically acquired mode of conduct. Overall, Differential Association Theory emphasizes that criminal behavior is not inherent but rather learned through social interactions, where repeated exposure to pro-criminal influences shapes an individual’s attitudes, skills, and justifications for crime.
