Is Edwin Sutherland's Differential Association Theory Influence Criminology?

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Edwin Sutherland’s differential association theory has influenced criminology in many ways by offering an explanation of deviant behavior that is unlawful. However, there are some critics who argue his theory, nevertheless, it is still being used today. Within this research paper, a study of his work was performed utilizing peer and scholarly reviewed reference material. The findings will demonstrate how your environment and the choices you make influence behavior and how behavior is learned according to Edwin Sutherland’s theory. In addition, the arguments of the theory will be addressed. Furthermore, issues that require future examination are explored as well as programs that can be implemented for troubled individuals to deter crime in relation to differential association based on Edwin Sutherland’s theory. Differential association theory can be defined as delinquent individuals who influence other individuals within a group or environment or, as a single person, to perform acts of deviant behavior or outside of the social norms (Seddig, 2014). This theory was developed by Edwin Sutherland in the early 1900’s. Sutherland, who was born in 1883 in Gibbons, NE, received several undergraduate degrees from colleges and universities. In addition, …show more content…

Strain theory suggests that society pressures individuals to reach goals but resources are insufficient, in turn, there is a strain on that individual which may be a cause of unlawful behavior (Adams, 2009). Sutherland placed emphasis on social learning because he did not believe that the other perspectives, such as genetics, biological characteristics, or personality fault, at the time, could fully explain why an individual would turn to the life of crime. He was the first criminologist to suggest that human behavior is learned and that crime is not any different from any other behavior (Schmalleger,

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