Identify and describe the principles of Edwin Sutherland Differential Research Paper

Identify and describe the principles of Edwin Sutherland Differential Association Theory . Select and exaple and apply the Theory - Research Paper Example Legislators could use these theories for introducing legal rules that will prohibit people from crime. An indicative example is the theory of Differential Association of Edwin Sutherland. This theory is based on a series of principles, which are analytically described below referring to studies published in the academic literature. Sutherland first introduced the Differential Association Theory in 1924. The above theorist has been strongly influenced by the sociological theories of that time. He was mostly influenced by the views of Thomas and his theory of ‘the definition of the situation’. The above concept has been the theoretical basis on which the work of Sutherland was based. Sutherland developed his ‘generic theory of crime, the differential association theory, based on specific explanations of ‘law’ and ‘crime’’ (DeLisi et al. 216). This has been the main point at which the theory of crime of Sutherland – or else the differential association theory – has been differentiated from the work of other theorists in the specific field. A key characteristic of the theory of Sutherland is that it is not a concept that can be used periodically, independently from the life conditions, for the explanation of criminal behavior. It is rather involved in the course of life (DeLisi et al. 217). Another important element of the specific theory is its extensive reference to terms, like ‘attitudes and self-concepts’ (DeLisi et al. 217). In accordance with the theory of Sutherland, the criminal behavior cannot be characterized as a personal characteristic, i.e. it is not a type of behaviour inherited. Instead, it is learned, through the social interaction. In other words, the theory of Sutherland emphasizes on the importance of the social environment for the potential development of criminal behavior (DeLisi et al. 217). However, through this point of view, it can be assumed