The parents of a deviant child often want to find some way to excuse their offspring's behavior,and it is common to hear them say,"He just fell in with a bad crowd." Which symbolic interactionist theory of deviance does this explanation most closely resemble?
A) differential association
B) labeling theory
C) self-fulfilling prophecy
D) structural strain theory

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The explanation "He just fell in with a bad crowd" is most closely related to the differential association theory of deviance within symbolic interactionism. This theory suggests that people become deviant as a result of the people they associate with and the values they learn from them. In this explanation, the child is seen as having been influenced or taught deviant behavior by their peers.

The Parents of a Deviant Child Often Want to Find