What does differential association theory indicate about crime perception?

Differential association theory, developed by sociologist Edwin Sutherland, posits that criminal behavior is learned through interactions with others rather than being an inherent trait or simply a reaction to social conditions. The key concept of this theory is that individuals are more likely to commit crimes if they are exposed to definitions or attitudes that are favorable to criminal activity.

This means that when individuals associate with groups that justify or normalize criminal behavior, they are more likely to adopt those views, which in turn increases their likelihood of engaging in criminal acts themselves. Essentially, the social environment and the relationships a person cultivates play a critical role in shaping their perceptions and actions regarding crime. Favorable definitions—such as seeing theft as a way to quickly gain wealth or viewing vandalism as a form of expression—can significantly influence whether someone decides to partake in such behaviors.

This understanding highlights the importance of social context in shaping behavior, making it clear that crime perception is not merely about the act itself being good or bad; rather, it is highly influenced by the learned definitions and associations that one encounters throughout their interactions.