Deviance in Society :: essays research papers

Part one of Sutherland and Cressey’s differential association theory explains that criminal behavior is learned. Applying this to Nate and Sam involves explicating their childhood and how they were raised. From a young age both Nate and Sam were conditioned by their father, Big Willie to be aggressive, and that in life you have to take what you want (take home outline). Nate and Sam’s father unknowingly conditioned them in a harsh way that made them susceptible to becoming date rapists. As a result of their aggressive upbringing Nate and Sam must succeed in their group of guy friends, the â€Å"Mac Daddies,† at any cost. Part three of the differential association theory states, the principal part of the learning of criminal behavior occurs within intimate personal groups. Nate and Sam’s criminal behavior was learned in the home. Their father’s philosophy in life of you have to take what you want in life contributed to his children’s deviant identities. Nate and Sam act how they were taught. The motto of the â€Å"Mac Daddies,† â€Å"no rules, just sex,† also influences the boy’s behavior. This motto is significant in how Nate and Sam deal with women. They are going to take what they want using an aggressive style of behavior, because that is what they were taught. Part four of the differential association theory states, when criminal behavior is learned, the learned includes (a) techniques of committing the crime, which are sometimes very complicated, sometimes very simple; (b) the specific direction of motive, drives, rationalizations, and attitudes. Nate and Sam learned to be aggressive and take what you want in life from their father. In order to stay in competition for â€Å"Mac Master† they had to use these techniques. Their competitive background resulted in them becoming date rapists to increase their point totals in their sexual competition. A person becomes delinquent because of an excess of definitions favorable to violation of law over definitions unfavorable to violation of law. Since the boy’s were raised in an environment that taught aggressive behavior without limits as to what one can achieve, the boys, used this behavior in a negative way and became date rapists. The manner in which the boys were raised was negat ive; therefore, criminal behavior was enforced as opposed to neutral or positive behavior. Part six of the differential association theory states, differential associations may vary in frequency, duration, priority, and intensity. In