An empirical evaluation of Edwin H. Sutherland's theory of differential association

Abstract

Edwin H. Sutherland first proposed his theory of differential association in 1939. Since that date it has been the subject of much discussion and criticism but tests of its validity or generality have been limited in nature. This thesis was designed to expand the range of empirical knowledge concerning this theory by investigating its validity and usefulness in explaining delinquent behavior among members of a selected population.

A sample of college sophomores was utilized for this purpose. These subjects appeared to be typical of white middle-class college students.

Relationships between differential association, involvement in delinquent behavior, and attitudes favorable or unfavorable towards law violations were subject to study. The author concluded from the analysis of data supplied by the respondents that:

1. The principle part of the criminal learning experience takes part in the context of primary group relations.

2. The learning of criminal behavior includes the learning of the techniques and methods of specific types of delinquency and also the learning of the attitudes and definitions appropriate to this delinquent involvement.

3. The specific direction of these attitudes is learned in a process of differential association with delinquent and non-delinquent patterns of behavior.

4. Involvement in delinquent behavior varies directly with differential associations with delinquent patterns of behavior.

5. Involvement in delinquent behavior varies directly with attitudes favorable towa:cds law violations.

6. Attitudes favorable towards law violations vary directly with differential associations with delinquent patterns of behavior.

7. Involvement in delinquent behavior varies directly with the frequency, duration and intensity of associations with delinquent patterns of behavior.

The overall conclusion of this study was favorable to the support of differential association theory. For the population sampled, this theory appeared to provide an adequate and valid explanation for the delinquent involvement of the respondents.