A Reformulation of Sutherland's Differential Association Theory and a Strategy for Empirical Verification

Abstract

Relatively few of the many theories developed by sociologists have been stated in other than verbal symbols. Although the supposed advantages of more rigorous formalizations have been discussed at length, many sociologists maintain that the assertion by mathematical model-builders that their approach will actually advance thinking in substantive areas of sociology still remains to be demonstrated. The present paper is an attempt to show some of the ways in which this approach can yield new insights into old theories. First, Sutherland's widely used formulation in criminology is translated into set theory statements. Then, the value of this translation is shown by developing a set of underlying postulates from which the nine major propositions of the theory can be formally derived. Finally, additional propo sitions are shown to follow as logical consequences of the re formulated theory in such a way that a strategy for its empirical verification is obtained.