The Differential Association Theory

Symbolic interactionism is the use of which are the key which are the key to how we understand the world and communicate with one another. (15, Henslin) Without symbols we would not have mothers, fathers, sisters, or brothers; symbols attach meanings to define relationships. A symbolic interactionist can use Differential Association Theory to explain how our experiences in groups influence our behavior in society and whether we will conform or deviate within said society. (137, Henslin)

Edwin Sutherland coined the term differential association in 1924, 1947. Differential Association Theory can be defined as can be loosely defined as an individual who becomes associated with a group, will either learn to deviate or conform to society's norms. Sutherland suggests that an individual may receive mixed messages about conformity or deviance from the group but there is an underlying result; the result is that there is an imbalance, implying that attitudes and behaviors will tilt causing the individual to either conform or deviate from society. Norms are the rules that are intended to guide an individual behavior's society and deviance is the violation of any norm.

Families are essential to teaching attitudes and norms of society to their offspring. If a child comes from a stable, law abiding home then because of the child's influences he or she will most likely conform to society. While in stark comparison if a child comes from a more violent, less law abiding home then he or she will mostly deviate from society's norms because that is what they grew up with.

Becoming a part of a peer group that is different from your family is important to discovering if an individual may conform or deviate from society's norms. If a young girl or boy joins a drug/alcohol free group will most likely conform based on their groups core beliefs, while a gang will promote violence and deviance from society's norms. The scenario with a gang though introduces that what is deviant in society as while may be a norm for a group. It all depends upon the group as a whole and its relation to society.