Forensics psychological epl- differential association theory

Question 1

Double whopper, strength

PRACTICAL

Answer 1

This theory accounts for why so many convicts released from prison go on to reoffend.

It is reasonable to assume that whilst inside inmates will learn specific techniques of offending from other, more experienced criminals that they may put into practice upon their release.

This learning may occur through observational learning and imitation, or direct tuition from criminal peers. This increases practicality and usefulness behind this theory as we can implement practises that prevent these ex-convicts from re-offending such as making sure that ex-convicts don’t mingle and influence/ be influenced to re-offend.

Question 2

Hamburger, strength

VALIDITY BECAUSE APPLICABLE

Answer 2

Differential association theory accounts for crime within all sectors of society.

It can explain both working class crime such as robbery, as well as white collar crime such as fraud.

This increases the validity of the explanation of offending behaviour because it can be applied to all individuals.

Question 3

Hamburger, strength

BETTER THAN OTHER EXPLANATIONS

Answer 3

The differential association theory drew focus onto the fact that dysfunctional social circumstances and environments may be more to blame for criminality than dysfunctional people.

This approach is more desirable because it offers a more realistic solution to the problem of crime for example through education and tackling issues in society.

This is better than the solutions provided via biological explanations which would be eugenics, or by Kohlberg’s theory of morality, where punishment would be the solution.

Question 4

Hamburger, limitation

DOENSN’T ACCOUNT FOR FREE WILL

Answer 4

Not everyone who is exposed to criminal influences goes on to commit crime.Differential association theory does not account for this as it focuses on environmental determinism – that a behaviour will occur because of an individual’s environment.
This explanation therefore does not account for free will and choice in whether to offend.

Question 5

Combo whopper, limitation

LIMITED EXPLANATION FOR FAMILY CRIMINALITY

Answer 5

Sutherland’s theory focuses on the nurture side of the nature-nurture debate.
It suggests that behaviour is learnt from those around us. This could therefore explain the observation that offending behaviours seems to run in families.

However, family offending could be explained by the genetic explanation i.e. criminality is inherited, as well as the child identifying with a criminal parent leading to the development of a deviant super-ego (psychodynamic approach). This limits the ability of differential association theory to explain family criminality.