Sutherland's Differential Association Hypothesis

Question 1

First principle to explain criminality

Answer 1

Criminal behaviour is learnt. It is not inherited and cannot exist without the influence of others.

Question 2

What section is this study under?

Answer 2

Upbringing

Question 3

Second principle to explain criminality

Answer 3

Criminal behaviour is learnt in association with others in a process of communication. Verbal interaction is the primary method of communicating about criminality. The alternative is using gestures.

Question 4

Third principle to explain criminality

Answer 4

Intimate personal groups are the main source of learning about criminal behaviour. They’re the largest influence on learning of criminality.

Question 5

Fourth principle to explain criminality

Answer 5

Learning of criminality involves not only learning the techniques of committing the crime but also the motives, drives and attitudes that relate to it. Excuses made for behaving in a criminal way are also learnt.

Question 6

Fifth principle to explain criminality

Answer 6

Motives and drives are learnt from how groups of people see laws. If they see them as unfavourable, they may feel it is ok to break them.

Question 7

Sixth principle to explain criminality

Answer 7

If individuals have repeated contact with criminals and a lack of contact with non-criminals, they will become criminal themselves. This is the principle of differential association.

Question 8

Seventh principle to explain criminality

Answer 8

Differential associations vary according to frequency, duration, priority and intensity. Sutherland believed that it would be possible to describe criminality in quantitative forms by analysing the number of contacts an individual had with criminals.

Question 9

Eighth principle to explain criminality

Answer 9

Sutherland believed that there was nothing special or abnormal about criminal behaviour or criminals. It is learnt the same way as any other type of behaviour.

Question 9

Ninth principle to explain criminality

Answer 9

Criminal behaviour is an expression of general needs and values but it is not explained by those needs and values. A thief steals in order to get money but a labourer works for the same reason. Needs cannot explain criminality by themselves.