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?
How is the differential association theory a mechanistic/situational theory?
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How is the differential association theory a historic/genetic theory?
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How is the differential association theory a propositional theory?
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What is Sutherland's DiffAssoc Proposition #1?
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What is Sutherland's DiffAssoc Proposition #2?
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What is Sutherland's DiffAssoc Proposition #3?
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What is co-presence in the context of differential association theory?
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What does conformity refer to in the context of differential association theory?
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Can crime be learned from media such as television and movies according to Sutherland and Cressey?
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What is Sutherland's DiffAssoc Proposition #4 about?
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How are linguistic constructs used according to differential association theory?
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What is Sutherland's DiffAssoc Proposition #5?
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What was Thorstein Sellin's theory?
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Where do definitions unfavorable to the law come from?
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How does horizontal mobility affect crime?
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What is Sutherland's DiffAssoc Proposition #6?
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What is Sutherland's DiffAssoc Proposition #7?
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What kind of theory is the differential association theory?
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What is Sutherland's DiffAssoc Proposition #8 about?
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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.
Theories and Concepts Related to Crime
- 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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Description
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!
