In any explanation of deviant behavior, few names will be mentioned as frequently as Edwin Sutherland's. While numerous theories attempt to explain the ideology of criminal behavior, one of the more respected of these is Edwin Sutherland's theory of Differential Association. According to Sutherland, criminal or deviant behaviors are learned in the same manner as any other behaviors. More significantly, Sutherland declared that whether rich or poor, black or white, male or female, behaviors are learned by close observation and communication with intimate contacts. Therefore, the most important aspect of the learning process, whether deviant or conventional, is the functioning of open lines of communication between individuals and groups. In addition, the idea of intimate contacts suggests that learning may be best assisted within familiar and friendly groups. Examples will be accessed to try to bring a better analysis on the subject. .
Edwin Sutherland created the theory of differential association in 1939. The basic concept of differential association is that all behavior is learned. He also continues by stating that while all criminal behavior is learned, it thrives on small intimate groups where communications are high and proper deviant behavior can be learned and taught. However, just the fact that criminal behavior is learned in small intimate groups wasn't truly a full profile in Sutherland's view, so he elaborated more by saying that a persons rationalization has to be varied from favorable or unfavorable to the legal code. A criminal needs justification for their actions and depending on the degree of their rationalizations, whether it be favorable or unfavorable, will ultimately compose the degree of criminal actions displayed. Therefore, a break down in Sutherland's theory will be analyzed and examples will be given.
The first principal of Sutherland's theory is simply that all criminal behavior is learned.
