Social Explanation - Differential Association Theory

Question 1

Differential association theory

Answer 1

-behaviour + attitude come from the social environment of a person + frequency of association with other

-people learn social norm of a society from family + peer group

-those with a pro-crime environment would more likely be criminals - become more aware of benefits of crime and desensitise towards punishment - those not are scare of it
Eg those who hang out with people who smoke cannabis see it as more acceptable than those hang

-specific criminal behaviours can also be learned - siblings to more effectively shoplift or burgle a house

Shows why criminal acts more prevalent to those who hangs out with them more

Question 2

Model + operant conditioning

Answer 2

People always look for role model based on characterise (relatability or status) and observe them
-if their criminal actions are successful and provided reward - indirect reinforcement of behaviour
-then individuals repeat themselves if better food - positive environment
-or repeat to avoid negative reinforcement- social neglect from friends despite consequences

Question 3

Key principle

Answer 3

There are 9 key principles to explain differential association:

-criminal behaviour is learned through communication of others
-when learned complicated or simple techniques are taught as well as attitude needed for crime
-process of learning criminal behaviour is similar to non-criminal learning (praised for learning a new skill)
-level of DA may vary depending on frequency of meeting, duration intensity of association

Question 4

Evaluation - Backed by studies

Answer 4

Osborn + West 20% of sons of criminal fathers had record, 13% of son with no criminal dad have record

-family environment is an important factor
-more contact + time with those commit crime = higher concordance rate

Question 5

Does not place blame on criminal

Answer 5

Unlike biological, take into account the responsibility of society for criminal behaviour

Ackers et al
-observe 2.5k adolescents for drink + drug behaviour
-influence of a peer impacted deviant behaviour the most
-variance of 68% in marajuana usage, 55% alcohol

Highlights the big impact of social group can have for deviant behaviour, and not blame people for factors can’t control

Question 6

Causal relationship - weakness

Answer 6

Does criminal affect innocent people or people with criminal tendency go to criminals

Cox et al - argue variation in environment no testable - can’t produce statistic on intensity of association or numerical effect
-can’t explain why 40% of crime committed by people under 21 (Newburn)