Criminal Justice Practice Exam

Edwin H. Sutherland's theory that a person becomes a criminal due to contact with criminals' definitions is known as?

1. Social disorganization

2. Collective conscience

3. Differential social organization

4. Differential association

The correct answer is: Differential association

Differential association is a theory proposed by Edwin H. Sutherland which posits that criminal behavior is learned through interactions with others. According to this theory, individuals are influenced by the definitions and attitudes towards crime that they encounter in their relationships. If a person is exposed to more definitions that favor criminal behavior than those that discourage it, they are more likely to engage in criminal activities. The emphasis on the social environment in shaping behavior is critical, as it suggests that crime is not merely a result of individual choice or biology, but rather a social phenomenon influenced by one's surroundings. This concept is central to understanding how criminal behavior can be perpetuated within communities or social groups, as individuals adopt the norms and values of those they associate with. The theory highlights the importance of peer influence and the social context in which individuals operate, making it a foundational perspective in criminology. The other options relate to sociological concepts, but they do not capture the specific idea that crime is learned through the influence of others, which is the essence of differential association. For instance, social disorganization focuses on the breakdown of community structures and the impact on crime rates, while collective conscience refers to the shared beliefs and moral attitudes of a society. Differential social organization, while relevant to