They may form questionable values and develop poor attitudes towards law and order.

And if their friends are criminals, they naturally learn from them and over time adopt their

way of life.

Psychologically, this process is known as differential association.

Differential association theory is the work of Edwin Sutherland, who spent his life studying

principles of criminology, and found 9 distinct precepts.

To learn how this works in real life, let's see how Robbin, a shy 14 year old boy, ends

up in jail.

Criminal behavior is learned.

Robbin learns it after meeting a new friend.

It is learned through interaction and conversation with others, often supported by storytelling.

This learning process takes place primarily in small and intimate groups.

Books, video games, and mass media have little impact.

The learning of criminal behavior includes sharing insights and techniques as well as

reasons and attitudes that favor criminal actions.

Motives are learned by dividing the legal system into good laws and bad laws.

Robbin learns that the laws protecting poor people's property are good, while the laws

protecting rich people's property are bad.

We become delinquent once our rationale for breaking the law outweighs our rationale for

respecting it.

Robbin steals once he believes that he needs to take from the rich to give to the poor.

Our learning experiences vary in frequency, duration, the priority we give them, and how

intense they are.

Robbin's time as a criminal is over when he and his friends all get arrested.

Learning criminal behavior is like learning anything else.

Robbin learns this just like his sister learns math — the same mechanisms are involved.

Although criminal behavior is an expression of one's needs and values, it is not explained

by them.

Non-criminal behavior can also stem from the exact same needs and values.

Edwin Sutherland was an American sociologist whose work had a big impact on criminal policy.

His theory recognizes that criminal attitudes can be learnt socially.

Consequently, they can also be unlearned.

In other words, Sutherland helped us understand that kids like Robbin can be rehabilitated.

What do you think?

How can we help keep society free from crimes that happen, on the street and in the top

floors of big corporations?

And if Sutherland was right, is jail the right place for young offenders?

Please share your thoughts in the comments below!

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