Lecture Notes: Differential Association and Social Learning Theories

Overview

• Micro Level Theories: Focus on individual level rather than societal (macro) level.
• Main Theories Discussed:
  • Differential Association Theory (Sutherland)
  • Social Learning Theory (Akers)
  • Techniques of Neutralization (Sykes and Matza)

Differential Association Theory

• Developed by Edwin Sutherland
  • Associated with the Chicago School.
  • Emphasizes on learning criminal behavior through interaction.
  • Argues that crime is learned in the same way as normative behaviors.
• Core Idea:
  • Learning occurs through a process involving attitudes favorable to lawbreaking.
  • Crime is learned through communication and interactions.
• Nine Principles: Focus on two (6 and 7) that relate to Akers’ Social Learning Theory.
  • A person becomes delinquent when there are more definitions favorable to violation of law.
  • Key concepts include frequency, duration, priority, and intensity.

Social Learning Theory

• Founded by Ronald Akers
  • Expands on Sutherland’s work; not competing.
  • Introduced within the context of operant conditioning (e.g., Pavlov’s dogs).
• Four Main Propositions:
  1. Definitions
     • Attitudes or meanings attached to behaviors.
     • Can be general (e.g., drugs are bad) or specific (e.g., certain drugs cure illness).
  2. Differential Association
     • Contacts with others influence behavior.
     • Importance of peer influences and primary groups.
  3. Differential Reinforcement
     • Balance of rewards and punishments.
     • Reinforcement plays a key role in the continuation of behavior.
  4. Imitation
     • Observing and copying behaviors of others.
     • Often how delinquent behaviors start.

Techniques of Neutralization

• Developed by Sykes and Matza
  • Mechanisms to rationalize deviant behaviors.
  • Five Techniques:
    1. Denial of Responsibility
    2. Denial of Injury
    3. Denial of the Victim
    4. Condemnation of the Condemners
    5. Appeal to Higher Loyalties

Applications and Implications

• Policy Responses:
  • Social learning theory offers applied responses, e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
  • Focus on pro-social outlets and reducing delinquency through effective, tested strategies.
• Testing and Assessment:
  • Empirical tests through longitudinal data.
  • Social learning theory is highly tested and offers effective policy and therapy-based responses.

Summary

• Differential Association Theory focuses on the learning process of crime.
• Social Learning Theory builds on this, emphasizing operant conditioning and reinforcement.
• Techniques of Neutralization provide insight into how individuals justify deviant behavior.
• These theories contribute significantly to understanding and addressing criminal and delinquent behaviors.