Question

Charmaine was a teenager who recently moved into a new neighborhood. The majority of the teenagers in this new neighborhood either regularly stole or approved of this behavior. After a few weeks, Charmaine began to shoplift on a regular basis. The theory of deviance that might best explain Charmaine's behavior is__________________.

Answer 1

Differential Association Theory is the correct answer.

The Differential Association Theory was developed by Edwin Sutherland. It suggests that the more a person hangs around people who present deviant behaviors, more likely he/she is of choosing the criminal path, as well. Thus, If Charmaine is surrounded by the majority of teens who steal and approve of this behavior, more likely she is of acting the same way.