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Differential Association Theory

1212 Words5 Pages

In the criminology world there are many theories ranging from micro-level to macro-level to explain juvenile delinquency. Sutherland’s differential association theory is the theory I believe explains juvenile delinquency. The reason I believe differential association theory explains juvenile delinquency is because a huge proportion of delinquency happens with friends (Bates & Swan, 2018).Differential association theory is when someone learn behaviors and norms from people within a group they have contact with (Bates &Swan, 2018). Differential association theory explains cross social dimensions, such as class, gender, and race from a sociological aspect (Bates & Swan, 2018). Sutherland also made nine propositions that explains his theory.
One, …show more content…

Another theory that many other people favor to believe causes juvenile delinquency is the social control/social bond theory. The social control/social bond theory was created by Travis Hirschi (Bates & Swan, 2018). Hirschi theory disagrees with Sutherland’s theory. Hirschi theory believes juvenile delinquency is not a learned behavior (Bates & Swan, 2018). Instead, Hirschi believes that delinquent activities is a given and we all are capable, and willing participants in delinquency (Bates &Swan, 2018). The reason juveniles do not engage in delinquency is because they have socials bonds that keep them from engaging in unacceptable activities (Bates & Swan, 2018). There are four different social bonds, which are belief, attachment, involvement, and commitment (Bates &Swan, …show more content…

Differential association theory states that someone learn behaviors and norms from people within a group they have contact with (Bates &Swan, 2018). However, many others favor Travis Hirschi social control/social bond theory. Social control/social bond theory states that juveniles do not engage in delinquency is because they have socials bonds that keep them from engaging in unacceptable activities (Bates & Swan, 2018). Hirschi and Sutherland support their theory with great reasoning behind it. Neither criminologist is wrong, it all depends on the eye of

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