Differential Association Theory

Running head : DIFFERENTIAL ASSOCIATION THEORY

Differential Association Theory

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Abstract

The paper discusses Edwin Sutherland 's Differential association theory The nine principles of Differential association theory are discussed The paper aims to connect fighting to Sutherland 's Differential association theory . Based on Sutherland 's theory , fighting is a form of deviant behavior , which young people learn via face-to-face communication with other people . Individuals choose to fight , when group beliefs that favor fighting overweigh group beliefs that do not favor violations of

law . Whether individuals choose to fight or not to fight depends on the intensity and duration of messages that favor this form of deviance . Those who fight and those who do not fight usually express the same values and beliefs the only difference is in the means they choose to pursue their goals

Differential Association Theory

Crime and deviance have always been the objects of the peer sociological analysis . Dozens of theories were developed in an attempt to explain what crime is , how it develops , and what can keep people from committing a crime . The list of possible explanations of deviance is endless - from genetics and social status , to television , oedipal complexes and severe mental deficiencies yet , Edwin Sutherland 's Differential association theory remains one of the most important theoretical foundations of sociology . According to Differential association theory , individuals learn deviant behaviors through face-to-face communication with other people . As a result , fighting is a form of deviant behavior individuals learn from other people...