Questions: WEEK 7 Chapter 7 Question 1 Differential Association Differential Association. Look back on your peer groups as you grew up and apply differential association to their lives and your life. Address What forces impacted their direction? Evaluate the perspective.

Differential Association Theory, developed by Edwin H. Sutherland, posits that criminal behavior is learned through interactions with others. According to this theory, individuals learn values, attitudes, techniques, and motives for criminal behavior through their associations with others. Let's apply this theory to the peer groups you grew up with and analyze the forces that impacted their direction and your own.

1. Family Influence:

   • Example: If a peer group member came from a family where criminal behavior was normalized or even encouraged, they were more likely to adopt similar behaviors. For instance, if a family member was involved in illegal activities, the peer might see this as acceptable or even desirable.
   • Evaluation: Family serves as the primary agent of socialization. The values and norms imparted by family members can significantly influence an individual's behavior. In the context of differential association, a family that condones or engages in criminal behavior can lead to the internalization of these behaviors by younger members.

2. Peer Influence:

   • Example: During adolescence, peer groups become highly influential. If your friends engaged in delinquent activities, such as vandalism or petty theft, you might have been more inclined to participate in these activities to fit in or gain acceptance.
   • Evaluation: Peer groups provide a sense of belonging and identity. According to differential association, the more time spent with peers who engage in criminal behavior, the more likely an individual is to adopt these behaviors. The frequency, duration, priority, and intensity of these associations play a crucial role in shaping behavior.

3. Community and Environment:

   • Example: Growing up in a neighborhood with high crime rates and limited opportunities for legitimate success can push individuals towards criminal behavior. For instance, if local role models were involved in illegal activities, this could influence the direction of your peer group.
   • Evaluation: The environment and community context are critical in differential association. High-crime areas often have subcultures that support or tolerate criminal behavior. Limited access to education, employment, and social services can also contribute to the adoption of criminal behavior as a means of survival or success.

Reflecting on your own life, consider how these forces influenced your behavior. Did you have family members who modeled positive or negative behaviors? How did your peer group shape your actions and decisions? What role did your community play in your development?

Differential Association Theory provides a framework for understanding how criminal behavior is learned through social interactions. By examining the influences of family, peers, and community, we can gain insight into the factors that shape behavior. This perspective highlights the importance of positive socialization and the need for supportive environments to prevent the adoption of criminal behavior.