Differential Association Theory In College

Differential association theory argues that we learn deviant behavior in precisely the same manner we learn about conventional behaviors: from our primary contact groups such as our peers, family, and coworkers. This theory states that we become more deviant; which is nonconformity to a given set of norms in a community or society, when exposed to higher levels of deviant persons and influences. I believe this theory best explains underage drinking on college campuses. This is because individuals exposed to social environments that encourage illegal activities tend to partake in them. Underage drinking can be viewed as the norm, especially within the college culture, because it is so widely accepted between different groups in terms of ethnicity and gender. I believe that many college students choose to partake in this due to the fact that their “social circle” and peers engage in it.
Control theory, states that crime occurs as a result of an imbalance between impulses toward criminal activity and the social or physical controls that determine it.
Travis Hirschi claims that there are four types of bonds that link people to society and decent behavior. These include attachment and commitment. I believe this theory is much like differential association theory because they both have factors that contain peer pressure. Though, control theory helps maintain social control and conformity by rendering people unfree to break rules, when differential theory claims that we learn deviant behavior through interaction with others. They both however, share the fact that delinquency and deviance may result if these bonds are broken within society. I believe this theory has a little to do with college drinking because due to the involvement bond, students will use this time by participating in conventional activities, taking away time from deviant act or
impulses.
New criminology regards deviance as deliberately chosen and often political in nature. New criminologists argue that crime and deviance can be understood inly in context of power and inequality within society. This system focuses its efforts on catching less powerful members of society such as prostitutes, drug users, and petty thefts. Therefore this theory in a way aids underage drinkers in not getting caught. It is so focused on the “less “powerful members of society that it often oversees this common problem at universities.
Labeling theory is an approach to the study of deviance; people become deviant because certain labels are attached to their behavior by political authorities and others. Because of this theory, I believe society already believes that individuals will engage in underage drinking so minors feel free to go ahead and do so. Since college students are partying and most people already associate drinking with partying, students decide to partake in this since political authorities and others already believe them to be doing so. This theory explains why college students decide to participate in this activity and it also demonstrates secondary deviance. College students are already expected to do this which therefore leads the individual to accept this label. These theories helped explain how underage drinking links to every single one of these concepts and why underage drinking happens.