Differential Association Theory (DAT)
Differential Association Theory (DAT) is a learning theory that was created by Edwin Sutherland. Provide an example of a situation (it can be real life scenario) where DAT can be applied to explain the situation. Create a narrative of the situation using tenets from DAT.
Considering Merton’s Modes of Adaptation, what mode of adaptation do you feel is the most prevalent and the most taxing on the collective society? What should be done to ameliorate this strain?
Sample Solution
Differential Association Theory (DAT) is a learning theory developed by Edwin Sutherland which proposes that criminal behavior is learned through associations with others who have the same or similar attitudes, values and beliefs toward crime. This can occur both directly, via interactions with those individuals, or indirectly, such as observing a situation from a distance (Gitman & McDaniel 2016). One example of how this theory can be applied to explain certain situations is the case of Robert Johnson.
Robert was an 18 year old high school student living in an inner-city neighborhood. Growing up he attended failing schools and had limited access to resources due to his family’s financial hardship. Despite excelling academically , Robert struggled at home where his parents were often verbally abusive towards him . Furthermore on weekends he would spend time hanging out with friends from the local area . During these times some of them spoke about committing crimes such as robbery and vandalism . By hearing their stories firsthand , Robert slowly came to accept these lifestyle choices as normal . After being suspended from school for fighting , Robert decided it was easier for him to make money through illicit activities then honestly working for it especially since no one else seemed willing to give him an opportunity (Harrison & Horngren 2019).
This case demonstrates how differential association theory can be used to explain why certain people may become involved in criminal behavior even when they have not been previously exposed directly to such activities. In Roberts case his environment provided multiple sources of information which encouraged criminality while also displaying its advantages over more law abiding paths like getting an education or finding employment.(Kimmel et al., 2021 ) As he interacted regularly with individuals who advocated this perspective so too did he come to believe it himself leading him down a path that ultimately resulted in legal repercussions.
In conclusion, DAT helps us understand why someone might develop criminal tendencies despite previously adhering to more socially acceptable lifestyles . It highlights how environmental influences combined with personal experiences shape our perceptions over time allowing us insight into what factors play into instances of deviant behavior.
