Differential Association Theory

The differential association theory was developed by Edwin Sutherland in order to describe the social aspects of crime and how individuals learn criminal behavior by interaction with those who have criminal attitudes, values, techniques and motives. This social theory can be easily used when trying to describe the cliques and social aspects of high school. For each different social group there is a specific set of social tendencies and attitudes present, whether delinquent or not. Based on social acceptance the individuals involved make different choices or even different crimes based off of what group they are apart of. “The important point in the theory is that all criminal behavior is learned in a process of social interaction” (Cressey 2013), the three main groups that are most associated with differential association theory are the Goths, the Jocks and the Rich Kids/Populars.

The social learning theory is one of the most widely used modern theories to explain violent behavior exhibited by juveniles. According to the theory, the behavior of individuals is learned and influenced primarily through their own personal experiences and relationships (Finley, L., 2007). Theorist Edwin Sutherland created the theory of differential association, stating that criminal behavior is learned, that it was a process, and that learning occurred in primary groups (Finley, L., 2007). For example, kids that learn from peers that are involved with criminal activity, are more likely to eventually commit criminal acts in the future. Sutherland created nine propositions which explained his theory outlining socialization that delinquents experience in forms of interactions with peers.

In understanding the challenges that occur in interracial interaction, the authors were able to focus on the small details that would ultimately lead them to their conclusion. I believe the theory to be accurate because in any interaction when we are aware of how we want to be portrayed then we monitor our actions. Yet, when we’re are saying one thing and our body language is showing something else, the other person involved can see right through that and become uncomfortable. There were some limitations to this study which ultimately didn’t affect the outcome but must be taken into consideration. There is no specific way to measure deliberative or spontaneous behavior.

• The Orphan We are all born in innocence, but the job of the orphan is to face life head on instead of becoming attached to the victim mindset and states of dependency. You have integrated your Orphan when you stop craving protection and security, and are willing to let others be freer as well; when you can balance wariness with hope, avoiding the conclusion that 'life is suffering '. You know about pain, but you also assert that it is not everything. • The Wanderer The archetype may make itself known in adolescence, when we start to look objectively at our place within the family and community. The Wanderer has a set view that life is not primarily suffering but an adventure.

Also, the evidence for why it should not be used is more factual based than the evidence for why it should be used. However, there will always be parents who still believe corporal punishment is for the good of the child. Children who are subjected to this form of punishment tend to project violence towards others because they view that as an acceptable form of behavior. In their minds, they do not see violence toward their peers any different than their parents physically punishing them. This cycle continues because when the children reaches adulthood, he or she will use corporal punishment on his or her child.

In other words, instead of saying that she does not have to do anything she does not want to, Freddie tries to coerce Angela by making her feel like she owes it to him because he loves her. This is significant because peer pressure is a common part of teenagers’ lives. Things like sex, substance abuse, partying, and crime are some common activities that teenagers like Angela can be pressured into participating in by the

Two of the nine propositions that Sutherland came up with to explain the Differential Association theory was that criminal behavior is learned in interaction with other persons in a process of communication and the principal part of the learning of criminal behavior occurs within intimate personal groups. These propositions are established in the movie Blow as follows. When George and his childhood friend Tuna decided to travel to Los Angeles, a whole new world opened

Both Burgees and Akers used B.F. Skinners theory to create the classical and operant conditioning of discriminative stimuli. (Matsueda, Et. Al, 1988) They conclude that definitions of crime serve as discriminative stimuli. Under Sutherlands theory the individual must learn the skills to commit a discriminative crime. An example of this would be if a parent were racist then the child will more than likely grow up with a biased opinion of a certain group or culture.

There are many aspects of it that help preserve the well-being of juveniles. With every system there are pros and cons, and the juvenile justice system is no different. Although there are many things that the juvenile system helps by being a part of, there are as many things that are made worse by the system. Being understanding of juvenile mistakes and being sympathetic to them as well will help children be able to develop their lives in the future. Being able to grasp the fact that teenage brains are still developing will help with the sentencing of adolescents.

Binge drinking does not discriminate; it does not care if you are black, white, yellow or red. Parents being more knowledgeable when it comes to their children 's activities during college and parties are an effective weapon against binge drinking. Many teenagers agree that peer pressure is a major factor in them deciding to binge drink. Parents should talk to their kids at a young age about the dangers of alcohol abuse, and throughout their teenage years also. Communication is the best defense against situations like these when it comes to your kids.