Differential Association Theory
Channel: Subrata Banarjee
Date: 05/07/2020

Sociologist Edwin Sutherland first proposed differential association theory in 1939 as a learning theory of deviance. Differential association theory proposes that the values, attitudes, techniques, and motives for criminal behavior are learned through one’s interactions with others. Differential association theory remains important to the field of criminology, although critics have objected to its failure to take personality traits into account.
Reference:
Chapter 5,  Freda Adler, Gerhard O.W. Mueller, William S. Laufer. (2008). Criminology. USA, McGraw-Hill Ryerson.
Sutherland, E. H. (1947). Principles of criminology (4th ed.)