The Association Between Differential Association Theory and Burglary

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Recommended: Biological, psychological, and environmental factors of crime

Differential association theory has a set of seven principles. Differential association theory says that criminal behavior is learned. By this, Sutherland intended for criminal behavior to be classified as a social-learning mechanism and can, therefore, be classified in the same manner as any other learned behavior such writing, talking, and walking (Siegel, 2012, p.237). Sutherland’s next point states that learning is a by-product of social interaction. Criminals learn by what they experience from exposure to the environment. Differential association theory views criminality not as something ingrained or as a result of socioeconomic conditions or physical characteristics but rather family, friends, and peers reflect the influence of the criminals. Differential association theory holds that the criminal techniques are the by-product of a person’s life interactions as well. The learned techniques vary from simple to extremely complex (Siegel, 2012, p.237). Some criminals begin this stage during childhood in which they meet up with mentors to learn to become successful criminals and to achieve the greatest reward for their efforts. These mentors teach the kids how to pick locks, shoplift, and how to obtain and use drugs. Another principle of differential association theory concludes that a person’s perceptions of the legal code influences motives and drives (Siegel, 2012, p. 237). This principle insinuates that criminals perceive the legal code as favorable or unfavorable. The legal codes do not fall into conformity among all citizens in a specified society and a person is almost certain to come across another person who views obeying the law differently.
The associations a person makes during their lifetime may vary in frequency,...

... middle of paper ...

...think about the conventional methods and burglary is the most appealing to these types of people; the rewards are immediate and they do not have to wait for a paycheck that doesn’t cover their expenses. Burglars get immediate satisfaction but the consequences may not always be optimal especially if they are caught which leads to an entirely different problem altogether.

Works Cited

Bernasco, W. & Luykx, F. (2003). Effects of Attractiveness, Opportunity, and Accessibility to Burglars on Residential Rates of Urban Neighborhoods. Criminology, 41, 981-1002.
FBI. (2010). Crime in the United States. Retrieved from http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2010/crime-in-the-u.s.-2010/property-crime/burglarymain.
Friedman, L. (1993). Crime and Punishment in American History. New York: Basic Books.
Siegel, L.J. (2012). Criminology. Belmont: Cengage Learning.

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