Differential Association theory (Learning from others)

Edwin H. Sutherland proposed "differential association theory" as one explanation as to why people turn to crime. 

Differential association is a behaviourist theory, which is also referred to as a "learning from others" theory as it is closely associated with Bandura's social learning theory. 

Essentially, the theory works on the principle that if someone is exposed to more "pro-criminal" attitudes than "pro-social" attitudes then they will exhibit criminality.

Sutherland suggested that criminality is learnt through significant exposure to criminal norms from intimate peer groups and the family environment, rather than through television or neighbourhoods in general. "Exposure to criminal norms" encompasses not only knowing criminals and being taught their techniques, but merely being exposed to pro-criminal attitudes, which could come in the form of parents complaining about the government and inequality, or friends breaking school rules or smoking under-age. 

Study: Akers et al. attempted to test differential association, and look at the most important factors in determining why some teenagers abuse alcohol and marijuana, and why some don't. It was a cross-sectional study of 2500 13-18 year olds, and used self-report to gather data; largely in the form of questionnaires. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyse the data. Aspects of differential association theory accounted for 68% of the variance in marijuana taking behaviour, and 55% of the variance in drinking behaviour. Two main factors which appeared to be significantly linked with drinking and marijuana behaviour were differential peer association and imitation index.