Psychological Explanations - Differential Association Theory

Question 1

Who came up with the theory?

Answer 1

Sutherland attempted to design a set of scientific principles that could explain all types of offending

Question 2

How is crime learnt according to differential association theory?

Answer 2

Learnt through relationships and associations we form with the people around us - it is a social learning theory of crime

Question 3

What are the two ways offending arises?

Answer 3

1. Learned attitudes towards offending
2. Learning of specific offending acts

Question 4

Explain what learning attitudes are?

Answer 4

When a person is socialised into a group they will be exposed to values and attitudes towards the law.
Sutherland argues if pro-criminal attitudes outweigh anti-criminal attitudes , they will go on to offend

Question 5

Explain what learning techniques are

Answer 5

Offender may learn particular techniques for committing offence E.g breaking into someone’s house through a locked window

Question 6

What is the ‘mathematical equation’ for crime according to the differential association theory?

Answer 6

Frequency + intensity + duration = likelihood of exposure to deviant Norma’s and values offending

Question 7

How can reoffending be influenced by socialisation in prison?

Answer 7

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

This learning may occur via observational learning and imitation or direct tuition from criminal peers.