Sutherland: Differential Association Theory
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Questions and Answers

Who developed the differential association theory?

Sutherland

What kind of theory is the differential association theory?

A learning theory

Is differential association theory a macro or micro theory?

  • Macro
  • Micro (correct)
  • Both
  • None of the above

    • How is the differential association theory a mechanistic/situational theory?

    <p>It says that crime is spontaneous and immediately caused by certain factors and stimuli in a person's environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the differential association theory a historic/genetic theory?

    <p>It looks at the process by which someone enters into criminal behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the differential association theory a propositional theory?

    <p>It is presented as a series of statements that describe connections between certain factors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Sutherland's DiffAssoc Proposition #1?

    <p>Criminal behavior is learned.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Sutherland's DiffAssoc Proposition #2?

    <p>Criminal behavior is learned in interaction with other persons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Sutherland's DiffAssoc Proposition #3?

    <p>The principle part of the learning of criminal behavior occurs within intimate personal groups.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is co-presence in the context of differential association theory?

    <p>People have to be with one another in face-to-face interaction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does conformity refer to in the context of differential association theory?

    <p>A group creates its own little society, a moral universe.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Can crime be learned from media such as television and movies according to Sutherland and Cressey?

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Sutherland's DiffAssoc Proposition #4 about?

    <p>When criminal behavior is learned, the learning includes techniques of committing the crime and the specific direction of motives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are linguistic constructs used according to differential association theory?

    <p>To define some situation as a criminal opportunity and rationalize criminal behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Sutherland's DiffAssoc Proposition #5?

    <p>The specific direction of motives and drives is learned from definitions of the legal codes as favorable or unfavorable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Thorstein Sellin's theory?

    <p>Culture conflict - different groups establish their own norms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where do definitions unfavorable to the law come from?

    <p>From social disorganization, but Sutherland thinks they come from differently organized groups.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does horizontal mobility affect crime?

    <p>Mobility increases the chance of encountering a definition that is unfavorable to the law.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Sutherland's DiffAssoc Proposition #6?

    <p>A person becomes delinquent because of an excess of definitions favorable to violation of law over definitions unfavorable to violation of law.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Sutherland's DiffAssoc Proposition #7?

    <p>Differential associations may vary in frequency, duration, priority, and intensity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of theory is the differential association theory?

    <p>It is a general theory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Sutherland's DiffAssoc Proposition #8 about?

    <p>The process of learning criminal behavior by association with criminal and anti-criminal patterns.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Differential Association Theory Overview

    • Developed by Edwin Sutherland.
    • Classified as a learning theory, focusing on how individuals acquire criminal behavior.

    Key Characteristics of the Theory

    • Macro vs. Micro: Differential association theory is a micro theory, emphasizing individual behavior and interactions.
    • Mechanistic/Situational Aspect: Crime arises spontaneously from specific environmental factors, influenced by variables such as strain or anomie.
    • Historic/Genetic Approach: Examines how individuals become involved in criminal behavior, tracing back to their life experiences and biographical influences.
    • Propositional Nature: Presented through propositions, detailing relationships among factors and utilizing deductive logic.

    Propositions of Differential Association

    • Proposition #1: Criminal behavior is learned; individuals adopt criminal actions from others.
    • Proposition #2: Learning occurs through interaction and communication, often in subtle ways rather than direct teaching.
    • Proposition #3: Most criminal learning occurs in intimate, personal groups, emphasizing the importance of close relationships.

    Important Concepts

    • Co-presence: Requires face-to-face interaction among individuals, significantly impacting behavior.
    • Conformity: Groups establish their own moral standards, influencing members to adhere to these values.
    • Media Influence: Sutherland and Cressey assert that crime cannot be learned from media sources.

    Further Propositions

    • Proposition #4: Criminal learning involves both techniques for committing crimes and understanding rationalizations and motives.
    • Use of Linguistic Constructs: Language defines situations as opportunities for crime and helps rationalize criminal actions.
    • Proposition #5: Direction of motives stems from interpretations of legal codes as favorable or unfavorable.
    • Thorstein Sellin's Theory: Introduced the concept of culture conflict, where different groups create distinct norms.
    • Sources of Unfavorable Definitions: Sutherland challenges the notion of social disorganization, suggesting crime-prone areas are organized with unique norms among groups, termed as differently organized groups.
    • Impact of Horizontal Mobility: Increases the likelihood of encountering definitions adverse to the law, allowing anonymity in actions.

    Additional Propositions

    • Proposition #6: Delinquency arises from an excess of favorable definitions over unfavorable ones.
    • Proposition #7: Differential associations differ in frequency, duration, priority, and intensity.
    • General Theory: Sutherland’s theory attempts to offer comprehensive explanations of crime through learning as a singular, unifying factor.

    Conclusion

    • Proposition #8: The process of learning criminal behavior involves various methods associated with patterns of criminal and anti-criminal influences.

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    Explore the key concepts of Sutherland's Differential Association Theory through these flashcards. The quiz covers major aspects such as the theory's developer, its classification as a learning theory, and its micro-level focus. Enhance your understanding of this important psychological theory!

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