Techniques of Neutralization: A Theory of Delinquency
Abstract
There is need for more knowledge concerning the differential distribution of techniques of neutralization, as operative patterns of thought, by age, sex, social class, and ethnic group. Techniques of neutralization appear to offer a promising line of research in enlarging and systematizing the theoretical grasp of juvenile delinquency. A major technique of neutralization centers on the injury or harm involved in the delinquent act. In so far as the delinquent can define himself as lacking responsibility for his deviant actions, the disapproval of self or others is sharply reduced in effectiveness as a restraining influence. The existence of the victim may be denied for the delinquent, in a somewhat different sense, by the circumstances of the delinquent act itself. The delinquent shifts the focus of attention from his own deviant acts to the motives and behavior of those who disapprove of his violations. His condemners, he may claim, are hypocrites, deviants in disguise, or impelled by personal spite.
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Neutralisation Theory sheds light on how offenders justify their actions by minimising harm or denying responsibility, often framing VR offences as harmless entertainment.
“Similarly, Neutralisation Theory (Sykes & Matza, 1957) sheds light on how offenders justify their actions by minimising harm or denying responsibility, often framing VR offences as harmless entertainment.”
From Virtual Reality Risks for Children in the Metaverse: An Examination through Criminological Perspectives (2026) · cites this paper as Sykes & Matza, 1957
During post-examination interviews across both semesters, the student rationalizations directly reflected Techniques of Neutralization framed through adult learner characteristics.
“During post-examination interviews across both semesters, the student rationalizations directly reflected Techniques of Neutralization (Sykes & Matza, 1957) framed through adult learner characteristics (Knowles et al., 2005).”
From Navigating Academic Integrity and Student Rationalisations of Generative AI in Vocational Online Learning Environments (2026) · cites this paper as Sykes & Matza, 1957
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- Authors
- Sykes, G. M., & Matza, D.
- Affiliations
- Princeton University (US)
- Venue
- American Sociological Review
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 1957-12
- Volume
- 22
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 664
- ISSN
- 0003-1224 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2069015912
- Cited by
- 5,845
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 211 · 2025: 247 · 2024: 275 · 2023: 287 · 2022: 307 · 2021: 293 · 2020: 306 · 2019: 329 · 2018: 267 · 2017: 242 · 2016: 261 · 2015: 245 · 2014: 235 · 2013: 253 · 2012: 212
- FWCI
- 19.72
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- American Sociological Review (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Crime Patterns and Interventions
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Crime, Deviance, and Social Control
- Social Sciences › Law › Criminal Justice and Penology
- Keywords
- neutralization techniques, juvenile delinquency, deviance, social control, victim blaming, self-justification, age differences, sex differences, social class, ethnic groups
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