Criminal Theory: Differential Association

Criminal Theory: Differential Association

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Criminal Theory: Differential Association

The theory of differential association is one of the highly valuable theoretical approaches in criminology studies. This is due to its potential in incorporating sociological perspective to explain crime and deviance. The theory was developed by Edwin Sutherland in 1939 (Akers, 2013); it marked a breakthrough in criminology as prior to that, most criminological research lacked a common framework that guided research and basis for evaluation of findings. This research paper examines the criminal theory of differential association, highlighting its relation with Pine Hills’ experiment and impact on Freud’s theory.

Theory of Differential Association and Pine Hills’ Experiment

The differential association theory has been very instrumental in inspiring the criminal abstract’s revision, as well as improvements, facilitating further empirical studies and application in national policies and programs on crime. The theory was based on certain components which include: delinquent behavior is learned, it is learned through communication as young people interact, the learning process mainly occurs during association in personal groups, learning includes the techniques of committing crimes, and differential associations vary with regards to various factors such as frequency, intensity, priority and duration (Akers, 2013). It is through these components that the Pine Hills’ experiment was established with an aim of treating delinquents through the process of learning non- criminal behaviors, hence, acquiring good values.

The Pine Hills’ experiment involved providing a suitable environment for delinquents so as to give them (children) a chance to experience changes from their delinquent behaviors. At the beginning, the children were required to publicly express their expectations of changing or not changing their behaviors by the end of the treatment. A halfway house established in 1956 (Pine Hills) was the treatment where the boys spent part of each day despite living at home and being free members of the community (Andresen, 2014). However, the boys were assigned responsibilities in the Pine Hills facility where decision making based on peer groups was emphasized. After the effective completion of the program, successful individuals were rewarded through status and recognition for their persistence to finalize the program, as well as their ability to be of service to others. The experiment only considered boys of the age of 15- 17 years with a criminal record and only 20 boys were involved in the experiment at once. The boys were picked at random without interfering with the judicial process (Andresen, 2014).

Impact on Freud’s Theory

The psychoanalytic approach on criminology can be majorly attributed to Sigmund Freud. Freud’s theory utilized the concept of the theory of differential association, i.e. delinquent behavior is learnt during childhood. Hence, to define certain prohibited behaviors, Freud used a radical approach in which the behaviors were responsible for the insights necessary in the justice system. According to Freud, experiences of a person during early years were very significant as they influenced one’s behavior as an adult. Conflicts in the different psychosexual levels of a child’s development have an impact on whether they lived a normal life during their adult years or otherwise (Yakeley & Meloy, 2012).

Psychoanalysis has been essential for the legal decision maker to acknowledge conflicts that exist between the preferred values and the existing rules which he or she would otherwise not perceive or wish to recognize. More importantly, psychoanalytic’s contributions have been on its emphasis on the law to be more focused on decisions that require a individuals not to be perceived as categories but as a complex person. In addition, psychoanalytic theory has played a major role in the justice system in terms of probation. Previously, probation relied on sociological approaches but recently it has been established that psychoanalytic theory aids in obtaining a better understanding, as well as results in probates. Rehabilitation is also another impact of the psychoanalytic theory. The theory makes certain that if the offenders are able to bring the unconscious motives for committing crimes to their conscious, it is easier to correct them, thereby ensuring that the offenders desist from committing future crimes (Yakeley & Meloy, 2012).

Conclusion

            Indeed, the theory of differential association, with its concept that delinquent behavior is acquired through learning, was not only applied in the Pine Hills’ experiment but also in Freud’s psychoanalytic theory. Thus, the criminal justice system can now handle crimes by appreciating the conflicts that exist between the preferred values and the existing rules, and rehabilitation has become part of correcting criminal behaviors as these are learnt at childhood.

References

Akers, R. L. (2013). Criminological theories: Introduction and evaluation. Howick Place, London: Routledge.

Andresen, M. A. (2014). Environmental criminology: Evolution, theory, and practice. Howick Place, London:  Routledge.

Yakeley, J., & Meloy, J. R. (2012). Understanding violence: Does psychoanalytic thinking matter?. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 17(3), 229-239.