(D6, T&L IV) Differential Association Theory.
(Expanded to include Differential Identification and Neutralization)
When: 1924 and subsequent editions
Circumstances: depression, WWII:corporate malingering;
specialization of "criminology"
Where: Chicago, later other universities
Who: Sutherland, Cressey, Sykes and Matza
Broad view: Chicago School--ecological perspective, cultural pluralism
Shift from physical, psychological, economic forces to
emphasis on "sociological determinism"; Simmel vs. Marx:
competition --> community versus stratification --> problems.
Approach: "Stagnated at social psychological level" --> learning
emphasis.
Attitude: pluralistic ideals; reform the business for profit culture.
Role: "Criminologists"
Metaphor: Criminal Behavior System: 1. Deviance as interactional
outcome, (2) homogeneous social behavior
Root Cause: (l) learning (2) from others (3) in groups (4)
techniques and (5) motives, (6) as a consequence of favorable
definitions over unfavorable ones (7) because of frequency-
duration-priority-intensity, (8) as in all learning, (9) but
not from same needs as generate non-deviant behavior.
Concepts: "definitions favorable to..."; careers; white collar
crime; victimology; differential identification, techniques
of neutralization.
Variables: subculture, conflict, learning: frequency, duration,
priority, intensity.
Assertion: law is an instrument of conflict; punishment is means
of law and order; (1) subcultures influence crime rates;
(2) social differentiation --> punishment; opportunity is
relevant to crime but not sufficient condition; (3) poverty
per se does not generate crime.
Works: Sutherland--Criminology, 1924; Sutherland and Cressey--same
text through several editions; Sellin: ethnic, racial, national
conflict, 1928, 1938; Sykes and Matza, "techniques of
neutralization."
Data: variety of criminal types and their characteristics;
typological analysis; analytical induction.
Product: theory of crime; taxonomies.
Policy: avoidance of class bias and avoidance of economic determinism
Relationship: reaction to earlier-theories; primitive
statement of social control; neglect of labeling perspective.
