Examples of Differential Association Theory

Introduction

Ever stopped to think about why some folks get into crime and others don't? It’s kinda crazy when you dive into it. Turns out, the people around us play a huge role in this. There’s this thing called Differential Association Theory from way back in the 1930s, thought up by Edwin Sutherland. Basically, it says that people learn to do crime through their social circles. In this essay, we're gonna check out some real-life examples of how this theory shows up. By looking at these cases, we can get a better handle on how this whole idea fits into different parts of life and what it means for society.

'Examples of Differential Association Theory'

Gang Involvement

Let’s kick things off with gangs. Gangs are like schools for crime, right? People who join them start to see illegal stuff as normal because that's the culture there. The theory says folks pick up criminal habits from hanging out with gang members. These members become their main influencers, teaching them the ropes of crime.

A guy named Robert Sampson did some digging into this and found that folks who spent more time around gangsters were more likely to get into trouble themselves. So, clearly, being in a gang really shapes someone's chances of turning to crime.

This all tells us something big: If we understand how gangs shape criminal behavior, maybe we can stop it before it starts. We could set up programs that show people better ways to live and help them steer clear of crime.

Substance Abuse

Next up is substance abuse. Ever notice how people often start using drugs or booze because their friends do? That's another nod to differential association theory. People hang out with users and pick up on their attitudes and habits.

Karen Parker did a study showing that teens with friends who use drugs or alcohol are more likely to follow suit. This backs up the idea that our social circles shape our behaviors.

The takeaway here is that good influences matter a lot. We need programs aimed at helping those at risk and fostering healthy relationships so we can cut down on substance abuse linked to peer pressure.

White-Collar Crime

Now let’s talk white-collar crime—stuff like fraud or embezzlement committed by those in powerful jobs. Even here, differential association theory kicks in. People learn how to cheat and justify it by hanging out with others who do the same shady stuff.

Donald Cressey researched this area and found that fraudsters often have close ties with other white-collar criminals who teach them the tricks of the trade.

This example screams for stricter rules and monitoring in industries where white-collar crimes are common. By understanding these social processes, we can create environments that discourage such behavior.

Conclusion

So there you have it—the relevance of differential association theory across different scenarios involving criminal acts is pretty clear now, isn’t it? Whether it's gangs, substance abuse, or white-collar crime, people pick up bad habits from their peers. By recognizing what drives these situations, society can jump in with strategies to break the cycle of crime. This theory gives us key insights into how socialization impacts someone’s likelihood to commit crimes—and offers tools for tackling crime in our communities.

References

• Cressey, D.R. (1953). Other People's Money: A Study in the Social Psychology of Embezzlement. Glencoe: Free Press.
• Parker, K.F., & Maggard, S.R. (2005). "Structural Theories and Race-Specific Drug Arrests: What Structural Factors Account for Race-Specific Drug Arrests?" Sociological Quarterly, 46(3), 557-579.
• Sampson, R.J., & Laub, J.H. (1993). Crime in the Making: Pathways and Turning Points Through Life. Harvard University Press.
• Sutherland, E.H., & Cressey, D.R. (1978). Criminology. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.