Edwin Sutherland’s differential association theory is based on the thesis that criminal behavior is learned through communication and observation of such doings. The proposed approach of deviance is one of the most debatable and outspoken models that offer a framework of how certain individuals learn crime, thus does not explain the reasoning behind such choices (7.6A: Differential Association Theory, 2018). Elite status frequently entails an ability to hold significant power, subsequently avoiding the punishment of crimes. It is interesting to find the connection between the hierarchal passing of the leadership in elite families and its association with the differential association theory.
The central thesis of Sutherland’s theory is that criminal behavior can be passed down from generation to generation, the same way It does in elite families. In such a concept, children mimic their parents’ behavior and learn attitudes, values, choices, including the way they perceive crime or methods of acquiring the desired, which can not always conform with traditional norms of society. Due to the immense power that such families hold, their reign will only become more influential, giving an ability to control each society’s branch.
Through Sutherland’s prism, such a model demonstrates children from a young age how they can get away with anything. In one instance, starting from school, they could skip it or offend somebody without any punishment because their parents can solve such minor crimes. As teenagers get older, they realize their power and might resort to more severe crimes, knowing that justice is always on their side. As a result, robberies, illegal distributions, or even murder would not become a threat to the family business and reputation, which children learned from a young age.
The concept that elite families rule the society and worse that the public allows being manipulated by the privileged rules leads to corruption and bureaucracy. Numerous countries continue to live under such a model for centuries, letting influential figures decide what is criminal and what is not concerning them. The most resentful consequence of Sutherland’s theory in relation to the elite’s power is that the population that has little to no control is the one that suffers from the unpunished wrongdoings of the advantaged.
Among the most common patterns of elite power application to the differential association theory is how the businesses get passed down from one head of the family to another. Children are taught how to manipulate and manage problems early to prepare for running a family enterprise. To solve upraising issues, children are presented with the significant influence they hold and demonstrate how to correctly apply it.
The crimes elite get away with do not limit themselves, including handling of illegal business affairs and transferring, drug distribution, murder, kidnapping, etcetera. Unfortunately, money solves any problem in society, granting families with high statuses and abilities to manipulate the public. Therefore, assuming that deviant behavior is learned primarily through communication within small groups such as relatives, the chances of developing similar or identical behavior are high (Johnson, 2019). The patterns that are demonstrated throughout childhood are likely to be interpreted into the person’s attitudes.
Elite power is an excellent example of proving the differential association theory. People with elite status pass their offspring values that they expect to see in the future to maintain a dynasty’s influence. The rules of society become stacked in favor of such privileged people due to others’ inability to stand up to the power they hold. The power elite hold is unfair, and such a concept should be changed to be shared equally rather than keeping a single-family wealthy for generations to come.
References
7.6A: Differential Association Theory. (2018). Social Sci LibreTexts. Web.
Johnson, D. R. (2019). A differential association theory of socialization to commercialist career paths in science. Science, Technology, & Human Values, 016224391985451. Web.