๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆintro to sociology review

Differential association theory

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025

Definition

Differential Association Theory suggests that individuals learn deviant behavior through their interactions with others, specifically those within their close social circles. It posits that the values, attitudes, techniques, and motives for criminal behavior are learned from the individual's environment.

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