CRIM 104 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: White-Collar Crime, Social Disorganization Theory, Social Learning Theory
22 Sep 2016
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Reading 8: differential association theory and social learning theory. Just like social disorganization theory, differential association theory emerged form the chicago school. Sutherland laid out nine propositions of the theory. His theory proposes that criminal behavior is learned and that it is learned in interaction with other persons in the process of communication. Differential association theory further states that the learning includes the techniques of committing the crime and the motives, drives, rationalizations, and attitudes that go along with criminal behavior. Burgess and akers built upon sutherland"s notion that criminal behavior is learned: called their theory social learning theory. Mechanisms contribute to the learning of criminal behavior. Differential association/social learning theory has also been a mainstay of correctional treatment programs. Sutherland has been described as the most important criminologist in the 20th century. Sutherland fought against the characterization of criminals as feebleminded or psychopathic or being products of poverty.
