Sutherland's differential association theory

Question 1

State the AO1

Answer 1

• Techniques, motives and attitudes for criminal behaviour are learned through interaction and communication
• Learning processes include direct and indirect reinforcement, modelling and imitation
• Through socialisation, individuals are exposed to attitudes to the law (personal groups)
• These vary in [FREQUENCY, DURATION and INTENSITY], which is different for everyone but can be used to predict crime
• If (pro-criminal) attitudes outweigh (anti-criminal) attitudes, they offend.
o P(offending) = 1 if P > A

Question 2

Give three examples of techniques

Answer 2

o How to pick locks
o How to smuggle and sell drugs
o How to conceal weapons

Question 3

Support Sutherland’s DAT in terms of a paradigm shift

Answer 3

Advocates of Sutherland’s DAT cite that it stimulated a paradigm shift in criminological theory: away from the biologically-determinist genetic and neural explanations. DAT furthered understanding that socio-environmental factors play a significant role in whether-or-not someone becomes a criminal. Overall, Sutherland’s DAT was effective as it furthered understanding in criminology.

Question 4

Support Sutherland’s DAT in terms of a developing ideas about a range of crimes

Answer 4

Commentators emphasise that Sutherland’s DAT helped develop ideas about a range of crimes. Sutherland became particularly interested in ‘white-collar’ crime and ensured his theory could account for a broad range. Furthermore, DAT is highly effective at explaining recidivism – as if a young ‘petty’ criminal is put into prison with a prolific ‘seasoned’ criminal, modelling and imitation would most likely occur between the two, meaning the younger criminal would then go onto commit worse crimes/crimes again. Overall, Sutherland’s DAT is highly effective in practical applications.

Question 5

Criticise Sutherland’s DAT

Answer 5

Those who refute Sutherland’s DAT cite that despite its scientific goal, DAT is largely untestable. Therefore critics highlight it lacks falsification and this therefore damages the scientific credibility of the theory and the practical utility overall.