Differentiate between Cognitive Approach of Bandura and Sutherland’s Differential Association Theory.

1. Introduction

Both Albert Bandura's Cognitive Approach and Edwin Sutherland's Differential Association Theory are prominent theories in criminology that seek to explain the development of criminal behavior. While they share some similarities, they differ in their focus, underlying mechanisms, and assumptions about human behavior.

2. Bandura's Cognitive Approach

Bandura's Cognitive Approach, also known as Social Learning Theory or Social Cognitive Theory, emphasizes the role of cognitive processes in shaping behavior. According to Bandura, individuals learn from observing others (social learning) and through the reinforcement or punishment of their own behavior. Key components of Bandura's theory include:

a. Vicarious Learning: Bandura proposed that individuals can learn by observing others' behavior and the consequences of those actions. Through vicarious learning, individuals acquire new behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs by observing models in their environment.

b. Self-efficacy: Bandura introduced the concept of self-efficacy, which refers to individuals' beliefs in their ability to successfully perform specific tasks or achieve desired outcomes. High self-efficacy is associated with greater motivation, persistence, and resilience in the face of challenges.

c. Reciprocal Determinism: Bandura argued that behavior is influenced by the interaction between personal factors, environmental factors, and cognitive processes. This concept, known as reciprocal determinism, suggests that individuals both shape and are shaped by their environment through a continuous process of interaction.

3. Sutherland's Differential Association Theory

Sutherland's Differential Association Theory posits that criminal behavior is learned through social interactions with others who engage in criminal activities. According to Sutherland, individuals acquire attitudes, values, and techniques favorable to crime through differential association with deviant peers. Key components of Differential Association Theory include:

a. Definitions: Sutherland proposed that individuals learn definitions favorable to criminal behavior, such as justifications, rationalizations, and attitudes that minimize the seriousness of crime or justify its commission.

b. Differential Association: Individuals are more likely to engage in criminal behavior if they have been exposed to more definitions favorable to crime than to those unfavorable to crime. The frequency, duration, intensity, and priority of exposure to deviant influences shape individuals' likelihood of engaging in criminal activities.

c. Social Learning: Sutherland emphasized the role of social learning in the acquisition of criminal behavior, highlighting the importance of peer groups, family, and other socializing agents in transmitting values, norms, and behaviors conducive to crime.

4. Differences Between Bandura's Cognitive Approach and Sutherland's Differential Association Theory

While both Bandura's Cognitive Approach and Sutherland's Differential Association Theory address the role of social learning in the development of criminal behavior, they differ in several key aspects:

a. Focus: Bandura's Cognitive Approach focuses on cognitive processes, such as observation, imitation, and self-efficacy, in shaping behavior. In contrast, Sutherland's Differential Association Theory emphasizes the role of social interactions and differential exposure to deviant influences in learning criminal behavior.

b. Mechanisms: Bandura's theory emphasizes cognitive processes, such as attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation, in the acquisition and performance of behavior. Sutherland's theory focuses on the acquisition of attitudes, values, and definitions favorable to crime through social learning and differential association.

c. Assumptions: Bandura's Cognitive Approach assumes that individuals actively process information, make decisions based on their perceptions of the environment, and have agency in shaping their behavior. Sutherland's Differential Association Theory assumes that criminal behavior is learned through interactions with others and is influenced by the social context in which learning occurs.

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, while both Bandura's Cognitive Approach and Sutherland's Differential Association Theory address the role of social learning in the development of criminal behavior, they differ in their focus, underlying mechanisms, and assumptions about human behavior. Bandura's theory emphasizes cognitive processes, self-efficacy, and reciprocal determinism, while Sutherland's theory focuses on differential association, definitions, and social learning in the acquisition of criminal behavior. By understanding these differences, researchers and practitioners can gain insights into the complex factors contributing to criminal behavior and develop more effective interventions for prevention and intervention.