Nowhere to Grow by Les Whitbeck and Dan Hoyt explored the lives of homeless and runaway teens in the Midwest.The authors found that "associating with deviant peers" had a dramatic effect on a wide range of deviant behaviors including increasing "the likelihood of serious substance abuse almost 32 times." What theory of deviance considers the way such interpersonal relationships help to predict deviant behavior?
A) self-fulfilling prophecy
B) retreatism
C) differential association
D) labeling theory

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Differential association theory proposes that individuals learn deviant behaviors through frequent interaction with others who engage in those behaviors. This theory helps explain how associating with deviant peers can increase the likelihood of engaging in deviant behavior, including substance abuse.

Nowhere to Grow by Les Whitbeck and Dan Hoyt Explored