A sociologist expressing which of the following theories would have written this quote: "Criminal behavior is learned in interaction with other persons in a process of communication."
A) differential association theory
B) social disorganization theory
C) social control theory
D) routine activities theory
E) anomie/strain theory

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This quote is a central idea of the differential association theory, developed by Edwin Sutherland in the 1930s. This theory proposes that criminal behavior is not inherited or determined by biology, but rather learned through interactions with others, particularly in the context of criminal subcultures. Sutherland argued that individuals are more likely to engage in criminal behavior if their socializing experiences with others involve definitions favorable to breaking the law, and if these definitions are more frequent, intense, and reinforced than definitions unfavorable to the behavior.

A Sociologist Expressing Which of the Following Theories Would Have