Edwin Sutherland and the origins of differential association theory

The purpose of this dissertation is to examine thoroughly the origin of Edwin H. Sutherland's theory of differential association and to show hew it evolved with Sutherland's development as a criminologist. Comparing criminology to American sociology, which by the 1920s had created a profound new social psychology and had developed an empirical methodology, Sutherland thought it intellectually backward and unscientific. He rejected both the Lcmbrosian legacy of biological determinism and the extreme individualism of psychology and psychiatry. It is argued that Sutherland's dissatisfaction with early 20th century criminology, together with a personality marked by perfectionism, professional ambition, diligence and the desire towin acceptance from his colleagues, led him to search for a scientific sociological criminology. This search resulted in the development of the theory of differential association -- a theory which gave new direction and intellectual respectability to criminology. This study concludes that Sutherland's theory was conceived, developed and accepted, based on three factors. First, he was an active member of a group of University of Chicago sociologists Including W. I. Thomas, Robert E. Park, Clifford R. Shaw, and Henry D. McKay. These men drew from the concepts and perspectives of the wider sociological community as well as frcm each other in developing a general theory of human behavior. Sutherland saw his work as merely one part of this collective effort. His genius was to adapt these concepts and perspectives to his particular field and in so doing help create sociological criminology. Others whose ideas were found to have helped Sutherland develop his theory include Thorsten Sellin, Frank L. Sweetzer, Charles H. Cooley, and Alfred R. Lindesmith. Second, by the mid-1920s Sutherland's professional identity had centered on the development of American sociology. He worked to advance the field both as a system of ideas and as a profession. The theory of differential association, determinedly sociological, was warmly received by Sutherland's colleagues. They accepted his ideas and held him in high esteem as a loyal and effective supporter of sociology. Third, the Depression created a social, political and intellectual climate in which a sociological theory of crime causation was readily accepted.