Differential Association Theory – 16 marks Model Answer
Content:
• Clear AO1 Points – explained in detail for full marks
o Role of environment and socialising
o Learned attitudes and methods
o Pro-criminal vs anti-criminal attitudes
o Socialisation in prison
• 3 AO3 Paragraphs – detailed strengths & criticisms
o +Research support for role of criminal environment
o -Focus on environment promotes stereotypes
o -Theory is difficult to test and confirm
Example Question: Discuss the differential association theory (16
marks).
Top Band Answer:
Sutherland postulated that we learn criminal attitudes, values and
techniques from the people we interact and socialise with (e.g. family,
friends). The process of learning occurs through observation and
imitation of pro-criminal behaviours and the likelihood of adopting said
criminal attitudes depends on the duration, frequency and intensity of
the relationship with the criminal environment. Sutherland proposed
that offending arises from 2 factors: learned attitudes towards
offending and learning of specific methods to commit crime. If the
number of pro-criminal attitudes a person acquires outweighs the
number of anti-criminal attitudes, then they will go on to offend. He
also suggested that reoffending occurs due to socialisation in prison;
convicts learn specific techniques of committing crime inside prison
that they are likely to put into practice upon their release. This learning
Content:
• Clear AO1 Points – explained in detail for full marks
o Role of environment and socialising
o Learned attitudes and methods
o Pro-criminal vs anti-criminal attitudes
o Socialisation in prison
• 3 AO3 Paragraphs – detailed strengths & criticisms
o +Research support for role of criminal environment
o -Focus on environment promotes stereotypes
o -Theory is difficult to test and confirm
Example Question: Discuss the differential association theory (16
marks).
Top Band Answer:
Sutherland postulated that we learn criminal attitudes, values and
techniques from the people we interact and socialise with (e.g. family,
friends). The process of learning occurs through observation and
imitation of pro-criminal behaviours and the likelihood of adopting said
criminal attitudes depends on the duration, frequency and intensity of
the relationship with the criminal environment. Sutherland proposed
that offending arises from 2 factors: learned attitudes towards
offending and learning of specific methods to commit crime. If the
number of pro-criminal attitudes a person acquires outweighs the
number of anti-criminal attitudes, then they will go on to offend. He
also suggested that reoffending occurs due to socialisation in prison;
convicts learn specific techniques of committing crime inside prison
that they are likely to put into practice upon their release. This learning
