Psychological explanations - Differential association theory

Question 1

Who suggested differential association theory?

Answer 1

Sutherland (1930s)

Question 2

How does the differential association theory explain crime?

Answer 2

Crime occurs due to being in contact with “favourable differentiations” which are positive messages surrounding crime and learning the motivations and attitudes of intimate others who commit crimes. When unfavourable opinions outweigh favourable opinions individuals become criminal

Question 3

What did Alarid do/find?

Answer 3

Tested over a thousand newly convicted criminals and found that this theory was particularly capable of explaining male offending behaviour, proving the theory to be a good general theory and predictor of crime

Question 4

What other theory is similar to differential association?

Answer 4

Social learning theory

Question 5

What does this theory explain and how?

Answer 5

The prevalence of criminal activity in some areas and not others, as individuals in urban areas are more exposed to criminal activity, making them more able to learn the motivations and come into contact with favourable differentiations

Question 6

What type of theory/explanation is this?

Answer 6

Environmental