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<p><amp-youtube layout="responsive" width="1080" height="608" data-videoid="Hgt-KbwUy1w" title="Differential Association Theory | Edwin Sutherland"><a placeholder href="https://youtu.be/Hgt-KbwUy1w"><img src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Hgt-KbwUy1w/hqdefault.jpg" layout="fill" object-fit="cover" alt="Differential Association Theory | Edwin Sutherland"></a></amp-youtube></p>
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<p><a href="https://youtu.be/Hgt-KbwUy1w">Edwin Sutherland&#8217;s Differential Association Theory</a></p>
<p>The word “differential” in this theory means that people are influenced in different ways by different groups. The word “association” refers to the relationships and interactions people have with others. So, Differential Association Theory is all about how the people we hang out with and the things we learn from them can shape whether we follow the law or break it.</p>
<p>Let us break it down in a simple way. Imagine a young person growing up in a neighborhood where many people steal, cheat, or commit crimes to survive or make money. If that young person is surrounded by friends, family members, or even neighbors who say that stealing is normal, smart, or necessary, then that young person is more likely to start believing the same thing. If the same young person sees others being praised or rewarded for breaking the law, that makes it even more likely that they will want to follow in their footsteps.</p>
<p>Sutherland said that people learn both the techniques of committing a crime and the reasons or excuses for doing it. For example, someone might learn how to break into a house, and at the same time, they might learn to believe that stealing is okay if you are poor or if rich people do not deserve what they have. These beliefs and skills are not taught in school or books. They are taught through daily conversations, experiences, and relationships.</p>
<p>He also said that the most important part of learning criminal behavior comes from close and frequent relationships. This means that people are more influenced by their close friends, family members, or small social groups than by what they hear on the news or learn in school. If someone grows up in a family or group of friends that supports criminal behavior, they are more likely to commit crimes. On the other hand, if they grow up in a group that teaches respect for the law and other people, they are more likely to stay away from crime.</p>
<p>Sutherland explained that criminal behavior is not just caused by poverty, mental illness, or bad genes. He believed that crime happens because people learn certain values and behaviors from others. So even someone who is rich or educated can become a criminal if they spend time with people who break the law and accept those values. This idea was very different from older theories that said crime is mostly caused by biological problems or poverty.</p>
<p>Another important idea in Sutherland’s theory is the balance of influences. A person is exposed to both good and bad influences in their life. Some people in their life might tell them to follow the law, be honest, and respect others. Other people might teach them how to cheat, lie, or steal. If a person is more strongly influenced by people who promote criminal behavior than by people who support legal and moral behavior, then that person is more likely to commit crimes. It is like a scale: whichever side has more weight will determine the direction of the person’s behavior.</p>
<p>For example, let us say someone starts hanging out with a group of friends who are involved in drug dealing. They start spending a lot of time together. The person listens to their stories, sees how they make money, and hears them say things like “everyone does it” or “the police are the real criminals.” Over time, the person might start to see drug dealing as normal or even attractive. Eventually, they might try it themselves. This is how behavior is learned through association.</p>
<p>Differential Association Theory is also helpful because it can be used to explain not only serious crimes but also smaller acts of rule-breaking. For example, students who cheat on tests often say that everyone does it, or that they need to cheat to keep up. If their friends also cheat and share answers, they are more likely to do the same. Again, this behavior is not about being evil—it is about learning from others.</p>
<p>Sutherland’s theory also challenges the idea that criminals are very different from the rest of society. He said that criminal behavior is not special or unique—it is just learned like any other behavior. This means that there is no sharp line between criminals and non-criminals. Many people might break rules if they are in the right (or wrong) environment. This idea makes us think more deeply about how society influences individuals, and how we should treat people who break the law.</p>
<p>One of the reasons Sutherland’s theory is so popular is because it puts the focus on social relationships. It tells us that we should look closely at the environments people grow up in and the people they spend time with. It reminds us that crime prevention is not just about locking people up. It is also about building healthy communities, providing good role models, and making sure that people have positive influences in their lives.</p>
<p>However, some people have criticized Differential Association Theory. One criticism is that it does not explain why some people who are exposed to criminal environments still choose not to commit crimes. Another criticism is that it does not talk much about personal choice or individual responsibility. Critics say that even if someone learns criminal behavior, they still have the power to make different decisions. But even with these criticisms, Sutherland’s theory remains one of the most respected and widely taught ideas in the study of crime.</p>
<p>Today, Differential Association Theory is still used by sociologists, criminologists, and law enforcement officials to understand crime. It helps us see that fighting crime is not just about punishment. It is also about education, support, and changing the social environment. If we can help people build stronger relationships with positive influences, we can reduce crime and create a more peaceful society.</p>
<p>In the end, Sutherland’s theory teaches us something very human: we learn from each other. Whether it is good or bad, kind or cruel, legal or illegal—what we become often depends on the people we surround ourselves with. That is why it is so important to be aware of the company we keep and the messages we accept.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone wp-image-2812" src="https://sociologylearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Khushdil-Khan-Kasi-1-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="159" height="159" /></p>
<p><strong>By Khushdil Khan Kasi</strong></p>
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