Association Theory: Most Influential Criminologists Of The Twentieth Century
Differential Association Theory
Differential Association Theory was introduced by Edwin Sutherland, arguably one of the most influential criminologists of the twentieth century. His theory of differential association was brought about in 1947. It evolved from the Chicago School of sociology which observed an increase in crime from areas lacking social organisation and social control (Peters, 2008). Crime was explained by factors such as age, social class, race and geographical location. The theory proposes that through interacting with others, an individual will begin to learn the values, attitudes and motives for delinquent or criminal behaviour. Sutherland, (1947) believed that individuals are more likely to become involved in crime if …show more content…
"The conditions which are said to cause crime should be present when crime is present, and they should be absent when crime is absent" (University of Minnesota, 2007). Sutherland, (1947) also believed that crime is motivated by money and social gain, because of this, the theory recognises that white collar crime exists.
The theory of differential association can be broken down into nine key steps. Sutherland, (1947) believes that these steps are crucial when explaining how crime occurs.
Sutherland’s nine points of differential association
The first element to differential association is that all behaviour is learned. This goes against theories which believe individuals are born criminal. For example, this theory would reject the positivist view that individuals are born criminal, with no free will. In regards to this theory suggesting that behaviour is learned, it could be assumed that delinquent behaviour can be reversed through learning more normative forms of behaviour. Next, Sutherland (1947) says that individuals must observe crime taking place, taking note of the communication and interactions, including gestures. This could suggest that if peers frown upon crime taking place, the individual may feel less inclined to participate in criminal
Differential Association Theory was introduced by Edwin Sutherland, arguably one of the most influential criminologists of the twentieth century. His theory of differential association was brought about in 1947. It evolved from the Chicago School of sociology which observed an increase in crime from areas lacking social organisation and social control (Peters, 2008). Crime was explained by factors such as age, social class, race and geographical location. The theory proposes that through interacting with others, an individual will begin to learn the values, attitudes and motives for delinquent or criminal behaviour. Sutherland, (1947) believed that individuals are more likely to become involved in crime if …show more content…
"The conditions which are said to cause crime should be present when crime is present, and they should be absent when crime is absent" (University of Minnesota, 2007). Sutherland, (1947) also believed that crime is motivated by money and social gain, because of this, the theory recognises that white collar crime exists.
The theory of differential association can be broken down into nine key steps. Sutherland, (1947) believes that these steps are crucial when explaining how crime occurs.
Sutherland’s nine points of differential association
The first element to differential association is that all behaviour is learned. This goes against theories which believe individuals are born criminal. For example, this theory would reject the positivist view that individuals are born criminal, with no free will. In regards to this theory suggesting that behaviour is learned, it could be assumed that delinquent behaviour can be reversed through learning more normative forms of behaviour. Next, Sutherland (1947) says that individuals must observe crime taking place, taking note of the communication and interactions, including gestures. This could suggest that if peers frown upon crime taking place, the individual may feel less inclined to participate in criminal