how criminal justice responses may be formed based on the assumptions of The Sutherland’s theory of differential Association.
To understand how criminal justice responses may be formed based on the assumptions of Edwin Sutherland's theory of differential association, let's first explore the key concepts of the theory.
Sutherland's theory posits that criminal behavior is learned through a process of socialization, primarily within intimate personal groups. Here's how criminal justice responses can be formed based on this theory:
1. Understanding the role of socialization: According to Sutherland's theory, individuals learn criminal behavior through interaction with peers, family members, or other significant individuals in their social environment. Criminal justice responses need to recognize that criminal acts are often a product of the socialization process.
2. Focusing on primary groups: Sutherland emphasizes that criminal behavior is primarily learned within small, intimate groups. Criminal justice responses should acknowledge the influence of these primary groups and address issues related to peer pressure, gang involvement, or negative family environments.
3. Identifying the transmission of criminal techniques: Sutherland argues that criminal behavior is taught through the transmission of techniques, motives, and rationalizations. Criminal justice responses should take into account the methods by which criminal knowledge is shared and address efforts to disrupt these transmission channels.
4. Examining the content of learned behaviors: Sutherland's theory suggests that criminal behavior is learned by acquiring specific attitudes, values, and rationalizations. Criminal justice responses should consider addressing and challenging these learned beliefs through educational and rehabilitation programs.
5. Recognizing differential associations: The theory highlights that individuals may have varying degrees of association with criminal or non-criminal behaviors. Criminal justice responses should incorporate this understanding by differentiating between low-level offenders influenced by minor associations and high-level repeat offenders whose associations with criminal behavior are more significant.
6. Addressing environmental factors: Sutherland's theory recognizes that environmental factors, such as poverty, unemployment, or lack of opportunities, contribute to the formation of differential associations. Criminal justice responses should strive to address these underlying environmental issues through social policies, community development, or support programs.
In summary, based on Sutherland's theory of differential association, criminal justice responses should take into account the socialization process, the influence of intimate personal groups, the transmission of criminal techniques, the content of learned behaviors, the different degrees of association with criminal behavior, and the influence of environmental factors. By grasping these insights, criminal justice systems can design more effective strategies to prevent and address criminal behavior.