Differential association is a criminological theory developed by Edwin Sutherland. It explains how people learn criminal behavior through interaction and communication with others. This lesson introduces the theory’s central ideas, the factors that shape learning, its scope, and a key criticism.
Differential association theory proposes that criminal behavior is learned through interaction with other people. Learning can include the techniques used to commit an offense as well as the motives, drives, rationalizations, and attitudes that support it. The theory treats criminal behavior as learned behavior, rather than as something explained by a unique criminal learning process.
All flashcards
What is differential association?
Edwin Sutherland’s theory that people learn criminal behavior through interaction and communication with others, including techniques and supporting attitudes.
What are definitions favorable or unfavorable to law-breaking?
Learned attitudes or interpretations that present violating the law as acceptable or unacceptable. A greater balance of favorable definitions is associated with a greater tendency toward delinquency.
What do frequency, duration, priority, and intensity describe?
Dimensions of social associations: how often contact occurs, how long it lasts, how early it begins, and how influential or significant it is.
Why are needs and values not enough to explain crime in this theory?
Criminal and law-abiding behavior can express the same general needs and values. Differential association therefore emphasizes learned definitions and social associations rather than needs alone.
What is a major criticism of differential association theory?
Critics argue that it may overemphasize environmental influences and inadequately account for individual agency, rational choice, and personality traits that affect susceptibility to those influences.
Quiz questions
What is the central claim of differential association theory?Answer: People learn criminal behavior through interaction and communication with others.
What kinds of things may a person learn through criminal associations?Answer: Techniques for committing crime and related motives, drives, rationalizations, and attitudes.
According to differential association theory, when is a person more likely to become delinquent?Answer: When definitions favorable to violating the law outweigh definitions unfavorable to violation.
Which set names the ways differential associations may vary?Answer: Frequency, duration, priority, and intensity.
Why does differential association theory not explain crime simply by saying people seek money or social gain?Answer: Law-abiding people may share those needs and values, so the theory emphasizes learned definitions and associations.