Sutherlands Differential Association Theory - 1430 Words

A Critical Review of Sutherland’s Differential Association Theory Ryan Herron Dr. Patrick Parnaby SOC 2070 9 November 2017 There are many theories used by Sociologists to explain deviance. One such theory is differential association theory, proposed by Edwin Sutherland. There are many strengths and weaknesses of differential association that will be laid out in this paper after differential association theory is fully explained. When discussed, it becomes apparent that differential association theory has many strengths as well as many weaknesses, with the strength of the weaknesses outweighing that of the strengths. First, differential association theory will be laid out and explained. Sutherland, with differential association†¦show more content†¦Sutherland also argues that impersonal factors such as the media, and strangers do not affect one s deviance, but rather it is close, personal peer groups such as close friends and family that have a large effect (Sutherland, 1947; Bereska, 2014; Matsueda, 1988, 2001, O’Grady, 2014, Williams III and McShane, 2013). Finally, the last main tenant of Sutherland s theory is that these associations can vary in time, intensity, frequency, and priority (Sutherland, 1947; Bereska, 2014; Matsueda, 1988, 2001, O’Grady 2014, Williams III and McShane, 2013), potentially leading to some periods of deviance, and some periods of conformity. Sutherland s theory has evolved through his own later work, co-authored with Donald Cressey, as well through other theorists works including Akers social learning theory developed in the 1970’s, Bandura’s social learning theory developed in the 1970’s as well, and Sykes and Matza’s neutralization theory in the 1950’s. Differential association is one of the most important and widely used theories in criminology that was pioneering in the use of sociological factors to explain deviance. There are many strong points to Sutherland’s differential association theory. One such strength is the simplicity of the theory. One of Sutherland’ s goals with differential association was to replace more complex theories that had many factors involved, down to one alwaysShow MoreRelatedCriminological Theory Of Edwin Sutherlands Differential Association Theory1789 Words   |  8 PagesI. 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