Sam's Offending: Applying The Social Theory, Differential Association

Sam’s offending can be explained through the application of the social theory, Differential Association. Differential Association is a social theory developed by Edwin Sutherland, a renowned sociologist. The function of the theory Sutherland developed attempts to explain how people learn behaviors and motivations of criminal activities from those they associate with, and justify these acts as regular behaviors, perceiving them as gratifying (James Cook University). This theory is applied to Sam’s case as it is becomes increasingly relevant upon examination of Sam’s story. In Sam’s case, it is crucial to consider all aspects which could have potentially precipitated his behaviors, by applying the theory of Differential Association, it is