SOC222 Lecture Notes - Edwin Sutherland
10 Apr 2013
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Assumptions of interpersonal & situational theories of delinquency: Neither the delinquent nor the society is bad Delinquency arises from the same social conditions as non-delinquent behaviour. Possible for the same person to be committing both behaviours. Most delinquent behaviour is committed in a gang or group context. Situations fluctuate and situational factors but the general setting will typically include group norms and behavioural patterns. *both peer association and situational factors might independently lead to delinquent acts. The learning of delinquent acts takes place in small groups. Learning delinquent behaviours develops from collective experiences as well as specific current situations. Differential association - a youth commits an act of delinquency in response to an excess of attitudes favouring this behaviour at that specific time. This excess is gained through association with others. Criminal behaviour is learned in interaction with other persons in a process of communication. The principal part of learning of criminal behaviour occurs within intimate personal groups.
