Differential Association Theory

679 Words3 Pages
Madelynn Veuleman SOCI 160 Differential Association Theory Though out chapter six in the book Essentials of Sociology A Down-to-Earth Approach by James M Henslin it talks about deviance and social control. I will be taking a closer look at the differential association theory, and how it applies to my own life. Edwin Sutherland was the first to pair the term differential association to indicate that from the different groups we associate with, we learn to deviate from or conform to society’s norms. (Henslin, 2013, p.157) His theory was more complicated and detailed but summed up, the people we associate with teach us to either conform or deviate to what is acceptable in society. An example of people going in one direction verses the other is when boys and girls join a street gain, or scouts. Each group will learn different attitudes and behaviors that are acceptable to that certain group. Deciding which group to go with at a certain age is not the only way people learn to either conform or deviate. family, friends, neighborhoods, and subcultures also play a factor in which path people choose. Many studies have shown that families that are involved in crime tend to set their children on a law breaking path. (Henslin, 2103, p.158) Some people may not know what the term differential association means, but most are familiar with how it works. For instance parents do not want to live in a bad neighborhood filled with delinquents because if their child is around that influence, they are likely to turn out the same way. In some areas deviation is very woven into the subculture, such as inner cities. If a wrong glance is given to the wrong person, it could cost someone their life. (Henslin, 2013, p.158) As we grow up we choose what group to be apart of, to either conform or deviate. It is almost as picking between freedom and prison. We are all prisoners of
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