Differential Association

Definition of Differential Association

The Canada social science dictionary [1] provides the following meaning of Differential Association: Developed by Edwin Sutherland in the 1930’s, this was a radical explanation for criminal behaviour since it argues that crime, like any social behaviour, is learned in association with others. The phrase ‘differential association’ simply means that people have different social situations and thus learn different things. What is learned is cultural material. If the individual regularly associates with criminals , and is relatively isolated from law abiding citizens, then they are more likely to engage in crime themselves. First they learn some specific skills needed to commit crime (how to open a locked vault), and second, ideas that justify and normalize crime. This concept leads directly to a subcultural theory of crime that asserts that not all groups in society uphold the same values or norms and for some groups crime is normative.

Differential Association: Resources

Notes and References

• Drislane, R., & Parkinson, G. (2016). (Concept of) Differential Association. Online dictionary of the social sciences. Open University of Canada