Question

"Which theory contends that offenders learn to engage in crime through exposure to and adoption of definitions favorable to the commission of a crime?"

a) Strain theory

b) Social learning theory

c) Routine activity theory

d) Differential association theory

Answer 1

The differential association theory, introduced by Edwin Sutherland, suggests that criminal behavior is learned through social interactions with others who provide favorable definitions of deviance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The theory that posits offenders learn to engage in crime through exposure to and adoption of definitions favorable to the commission of a crime is the differential association theory. Developed by sociologist Edwin Sutherland in the early 1900s, this theory emphasizes that deviant behavior is learned through interactions with others.

Sutherland's propositions explain that individuals begin to see deviant behavior as favorable if they are exposed to more definitions supporting the behavior than those opposing it. This process reflects differential socialization, where deviance is learned from close connections who model and provide opportunities for such behavior.

This learning occurs within intimate groups, such as family and friends, and can be influenced by the number of exposures to favorable definitions of deviance.