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Chapter 5 summary

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Chapter 5 Summary

Chapter 5 focuses on "Differential Association Theory, " which focuses on social

heritage, intellectual heritage, and the theoretical perspective. According to the chapter, the

social heritage theory explains that The Great Depression is a framework for sociological

observations. For example, people faced challenges during the great depression. Most were

pushed into crime, resulting in banks and stock manipulation. The social heritage theory explains

that prohibition and criminalization of drug abuse impacted Sutherland.

Also, the chapter explains the intellectual heritage theory presented by the members of

the Chicago school, W.I Thomas. The reason for the high crime rates in specific areas, theorists

suggested, is conflicts between different cultural groups since the immigrants primarily occupied

the central area. As a result, they had different values and norms, and this led to disputes

resulting in high crime rates (McShane & Williams pg.56). In addition, the chapter argues that in

the formulation of the heritage theory, Sunderland relied on cultural conflict theory, ecological

and cultural transmission theory, and the symbolic interactionism.

Additionally, the chapter discusses the theoretical perspectives. The theoretical

perspective explains that individuals can be trained to any pattern of behavior, eliminating the

physical power to perform a behavior. Also, the view argues that an environment is essential and

should be favorable for behavior patterns; failing to align with the practices can result in

disorganization. Disorganization is established by the conflict of cultures in the environment

(McShane & Williams,2018 pg. 57). The chapter explains that the first complete version of the

theory was proposed in 1939, with the version highlighting systematic criminal behavior and

emphasizing cultural conflicts.

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Also, the chapter discusses differential association, which is the pattern contents shown in

an association that is different from one individual to another. For example, the first version of

differential association theory demonstrates how people become delinquent. According to

Sunderland, cultural conflicts are common, creating different values and interests among societal

groups (McShane & Williams,2018, pg. 58).

Similarly, the second and final version of the theory, as expressed by Sunderland, argues

that behavior is learned, and this changes from social disorganization to differential social

organization. As a result, Sunderland argues that criminal behavior is learned in communication

between people. Consequently, the chapter explains that criminal behavior often emerges when

there is an overemphasis on the definitions favoring criminal behavior. Finally, the chapter

argues that relationships that offer the opportunity to learn criminal behaviors differ in duration,

priority, intensity, and frequency (McShane & Williams, 2018, pg 59). Therefore, they are

interactions that are more intense compared to others depending on the period that affects the

participants.

I agree with the social theory, primarily through explaining the economic situation

resulting in people being criminals. For example, the world is experiencing inflation; therefore,

people cannot afford basic needs as they did, leading to high crime rates. I am not convinced that

criminal behavior can result from an excessive definition of criminal behavior since this makes

people understand the concept of behavior and the consequences and tend to avoid that.

Reference
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McShane, M. D., & Williams, F. P. (2018). Pearson