Which concept asserts that crime is influenced by learned behavior from peers and mentors?

• A. Deterrence theory
• B. Routine activity theory
• C. Social learning theory
• D. Differential association theory

Answer: (D)

Crime is learned through social interactions with others, especially those you spend a lot of time with, like peers and mentors. The core idea is that individuals pick up definitions favorable to crime, as well as the techniques for committing offenses, from these intimate associations. The likelihood of adopting criminal behavior grows with how often, how long, how early (priority), and how intensely you’re exposed to pro-crime attitudes within your group. This focus on learned meanings and techniques from close social contacts is what makes differential association theory the best fit for the statement.

Deterrence theory centers on punishment and the fear of consequences shaping behavior, not on learned attitudes from others. Routine activity theory looks at how crime occurs when a motivated offender encounters a suitable target without capable guardians, emphasizing opportunity rather than learned definitions. Social learning theory does involve learning from others, but differential association refines that idea specifically to how intimate groups transmit definitions and techniques that favor crime, with the weight given to the nature and amount of those associations.