Skip to main content

Differential Association Theory: Understanding Criminal Behaviors through Learning


Criminal behavior has been a topic of interest in the field of criminology for many years, and several theories have been developed to explain the phenomenon. One of the most well-known theories is the Differential Association Theory, which was first introduced in 1939 by American scientist Edwin Sutherland the book “The Professional Thief”. In 1947, Sutherland and American Criminologist Doland Cressy described this theory deeply by the book “The Principles of Criminology”.  This theory explains how learning processes influence the pattern of criminal behavior in individuals. In this article, we will explore the concept of Differential Association Theory and how it sheds light on the relationship between socialization and criminal behavior. 

What is Differential Association Theory?

Differential Association Theory is a sociological theory that describes how the learning process affects criminal behavior. According to this theory, criminal behavior is not inherited, but learned through a process of communication with others living in society. In this process, language, as well as other symbolic communication strategies, play a significant role in the learning of criminal behavior. 

The theory explains that the most critical part of the learning of criminal behavior takes place within the primary groups closest to them, such as family and peer groups. The rest of the media, such as films, newspapers, and movies, which are not personal, do not play such an important role in the process of learning criminal behaviors. In other words, simple learning in groups that are not often associated with oneself does not have a decisive effect on learning criminal behavior.

Key Principles of Differential Association Theory

Differential Association Theory is based on the following principles:
  1. Criminal behavior is gained through the learning process, and it is not inherited or instinctive.
  2. Criminal behavior is the result of a process of communication with others living in society, and language and other symbolic communication strategies play a significant role in this process.
  3. The most important part of the learning of criminal behavior takes place within the primary groups closest to them, such as family and peer groups.
  4. Those who learn about criminal behavior through the learning process focus on two main areas in incorporating that behavior into their lives: learning the methodology required to commit the crime and learning the specific motivations that led to the crime.
  5. One learns the above motivations through the people around him/her (primary group), who may teach him/her how to break the law and the benefits that can be gained from it.
  6. A person becomes a criminal when he/she falls into the company of criminals and learns from that association that it is beneficial to commit a crime.
  7. The interaction varies according to the influence of factors such as frequency, dependent time, priority, and intensity.
  8. Anything else we learn in this way, in the same way we learn illegal or legal practices.
  9. Illegal acts or behaviors are carried out to fulfill human financial needs and values.

Implications of Differential Association Theory

Differential Association Theory has important implications for understanding and preventing criminal behavior. The theory emphasizes that criminal behavior is learned through socialization, and this learning can be modified through socialization as well. Therefore, it is essential to provide individuals with positive socialization experiences that discourage criminal behavior.

Moreover, the theory suggests that individuals who are prone to criminal behavior can be helped by surrounding them with individuals who discourage such behavior. Additionally, it highlights the importance of primary groups in shaping the behavior of individuals. Hence, strengthening family relationships and promoting positive peer group interactions can be an effective way to prevent criminal behavior.

Conclusion

Differential Association Theory provides a valuable framework for understanding criminal behavior. The theory highlights the role of learning and socialization in shaping the behavior of individuals. By understanding the key principles of the theory, we can identify strategies to prevent criminal behavior by promoting positive socialization experiences and strengthening relationships with primary groups. Overall, the Differential Association Theory provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between socialization and criminal behavior.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Exhibitionistic Disorder: Behavior and Its Causes

Exhibitionistic Disorder is a type of paraphilia that involves recurrent and intense sexual arousal from exposing one's genitals to an unsuspecting person. This disorder can be distressing for both the individual with the condition and their victims. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of exhibitionistic disorder, its signs and symptoms, and its subtypes. Definition of Exhibitionistic Disorder According to the DSM-V, exhibitionistic disorder involves a pattern of recurrent and intense sexual arousal from exposing one's genitals to an unsuspecting person. The exhibitionist must have acted on these impulses with a non-consenting individual or someone they've never met. The exhibitionist condition subtypes are based on the age or physical maturity of the non-consenting individuals to whom the person wishes to reveal their genitals. Subtypes of Exhibitionistic Disorder There are three subtypes of exhibitionistic disorder: Sexually aroused by exposing genitals to prepu
Post a Comment
»

Strangulation: A Comprehensive Guide

Strangulation is a form of asphyxiation that occurs when the neck is compressed or twisted tightly enough to prevent air and blood from flowing properly to the brain and lungs. Even a brief period of oxygen deprivation can lead to serious brain damage or death. In this article, we'll explore the different types of strangulation and their associated signs and symptoms. Hanging Hanging is a type of strangulation that occurs when a person's body is suspended by a ligature that encircles the neck, with the weight of the body acting as the restricting force. The most definitive indication of death by hanging is the ligature mark on the neck. This is an impression of a loop on the skin of the neck that creates a groove in the underlying tissues. The mark is typically oblique and is found between the chin and larynx. In partial hanging cases, a horizontal ligature mark may be observed when the body leans forward. One high-profile case of hanging that made headlines in Sri Lanka was th
Post a Comment
»

The Positivist Theory of Crime: Analyzing Crime from a Biological Point of View

Crime has been a prevalent issue in society for centuries, and people have been trying to understand its causes and how to prevent it. One of the most controversial and disputed theories regarding the origins of crime is the Positivist Theory. As we enter the modern age, we come across more positivists who have analyzed crime from an anthropological point of view following in the footsteps of Lombroso in 1876 such as Kretschmer in 1925, and Hooten in 1939 and William H. Sheldon (1898–1977). Ernst Kretschmer, a German psychiatrist, attempted to link body types with personality characteristics and mental illness. He proposed four body types: Pyknik, Asthenic, Athletic, and Dysplastic. Pyknik types are short and heavily built with a social and cheerful temperament but are prone to manic-depressive psychopathology. Asthenic types are tall and thin with underdeveloped muscles, irritable, and lost in fantasy, with a schizoid temperament. Athletic types are muscular, with a well-built body bu
Post a Comment
»