Differential Association Theory Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Differential Association Theory?

The Differential Association Theory is a sociological theory that was developed by Edwin Sutherland in 1937. This theory suggests that criminal behavior is learned through interacting with other people and is the result of different attitudes, beliefs, and values shared among peers. The Differential Association Theory states that criminal behavior is a group phenomenon and not simply an individual’s decision. This theory helps to explain how individuals become involved in crime and why certain individuals may be more likely to commit crime than others. The primary premise of the Differential Association Theory is that criminality is learned through social interaction with peers who have different values, beliefs, and attitudes than the majority of society. These peers will teach their own values to their associates and encourage them to act out these behaviors. According to this theory, when individuals associate with deviant peers they are exposed to attitudes towards criminal behavior which can lead them down a path toward criminality themselves. Therefore, those who are more likely to associate with deviant peers are at a greater risk of engaging in deviant or criminal behaviors themselves because they are exposed to such attitudes on a regular basis. There are several key elements within the Differential Association Theory which help explain its principles further: firstly, all behavior including criminal behavior is learned; secondly, learning occurs within intimate personal groups; thirdly techniques for committing crimes must also be learned through associations; fourthly balance exists between anti-social as well as pro-social influences; fifthly an individual’s motivations for participating in activities vary depending on their experiences; finally all forms of learning occur over time due to repeated exposure (Durkheim & Merton). Overall, the Differential Association Theory offers an explanation on how people learn criminal behaviour from their peers. It suggests that those who associate with other criminals or antisocial individuals will be more likely to engage in criminological activity themselves due to their exposure and assimilation into these deviant peer groups where crime may become normalized behaviour or even celebrated amongst members of such groups. Ultimately this theory helps us understand why certain people may be predisposed towards involvement in illegal activities due primarily because of whom they choose as social associates and what kind of ideologies these social circles promote among its members .