The differential association theory and patterns of behavior in the delinquent individual : a study to establish whether the delinquent individual learns his patterns of behavior from the delinquent individuals with whom he associates

Abstract

This study investigates juvenile delinquent behavior and the effect gang associations and personality has on behavior once a delinquent has accepted or has been chosen for differential association. Edwin Sutherland’s theory on differential association was used as a starting point and a guide throughout. It is an individual thesis divided into two separate parts; the main project was written as one part of a group study of the clients at a Welfare agency while the other project was an independent study of the clients at a Mental Health Clinic. The active records of forty-nine male delinquents at the department of Public Welfare in Halifax were the source of the data for the main project; thirty-six records of male delinquents from a special project completed for the years 1957-59 at the Halifax Mental Health Clinic for Children were the source of the data for the independent study. Data relevant to this individual thesis was extracted from the schedules and statistical tests of significant (Fisher’s exact test of significance and Fisher’s test for significance levels) carried out. The hypothesis that the pattern of offenses in the delinquent individual should somewhat resemble the pattern of offenses of the individuals with whom he associates was found to be insignificant. The type of influence the gang has on the delinquent individual was found also not to be significant. The methodology proved faulty for two reasons—the lack of a control group of nondelinquents and the lack of personal interviewing of delinquents. It was concluded that social workers need to be made more aware of a group approach to delinquents and delinquent gangs and some recommendations were offered in this regard.