Discussion/Study Questions for Week 10

I suggested in class that we can think of frequency, duration, priority and intensity as important factors when examining the ratio of definitions that are favorable or unfavorable to criminal behavior. Why are these so important in this context?

Why is the suggestion that “birds of a feather, flock together” a challenge to differential association theory? Can the suggestion and the theory be reconciled?

What are the major techniques of neutralization proposed by Sykes and Matza? How are these techniques related to the process of participating in criminal behavior?

To what degree to the justifications and excuses given by the convicted rapists I talked about in class fall into the different categories suggested by Sykes and Matza. Give specific examples.