Drift theory criminology

Drift theory recognizes that juvenile delinquents hold conventional values and attitudes; they are aware that their delinquent actions are viewed by society as deviant. To nullify these conventional values and beliefs, juvenile delinquents learn techniques of neutralization.

What is the example of drift theory?

Neutralization and Drift Theory proposes that juveniles sense an obligation to the law. This obligation to the law remains in place most of the time. However, when this obligation is strained, juvenile delinquents tend to drift into crime. This strain is best explained by Sykes and Matza's example of justified theft.

What is drift theory by David Matza?

Matza believes that delinquents (like all other members of society) are subject to the moral obligations of the law. Only when the attachment to laws is perceived as weak and an opportunity for deviant behavior arises does man drift into delinquent behavior.

Who developed drift theory?

scientist Alfred Wegener The theory of continental drift is most associated with the scientist Alfred Wegener. In the early 20th century, Wegener published a paper explaining his theory that the continental landmasses were “drifting” across the Earth, sometimes plowing through oceans and into each other.

What are the 4 criminal theories?

While there are many different sociological theories about crime, there are four primary perspectives about deviance: Structural Functionalism, Social Strain Typology, Conflict Theory, and Labeling Theory.

Are Neutralizations cause or an effect of crime?

Gabor (1994) described justification (neutralization) as a driving force behind crime. Justification can free one from remorse before the commission of a crime. Such literature makes clear that the concept of neutralization has been well defined and supported by a number of researchers over the decades.

What is subterranean value?

In this sense, subterranean values are akin to private as opposed to public morality. They are values that the individual holds to and believes in but that are also recognized as being not quite comme ii faut.

Who is David Matza and Gresham Sykes?

The theory The idea of such techniques was first postulated by David Matza (born May 1, 1930) and Gresham Sykes (born 1922) during their work on Edwin Sutherland's Differential Association in the 1950s.