For natural science guru m2d2 differential association

M2D2: Differential Association 

Upon successful completion of this activity, students will be able to:

• Analyze social phenomena utilizing theoretical frameworks

• Explain the concept of social deviance and provide examples of deviant behavior in social context

• Acquire a basic understanding of how to apply theories of deviance to their own personal and professional experiences

Drawing on Chapter 8 in your Textbook, use the Sutherland and Cressey’s nine steps of “Differential Association” to describe a real or hypothetical situation entailing criminal behavior. This chapter outlines the process by which an individual comes to engage in criminal behavior; in your posting, you are going to describe a specific criminal behavior. Use this theory to describe how a real (or imagined) person could come to engage in that behavior. Based on your application of this theory to a real or hypothetical situation, how useful do you find this theory to be in explaining why an individual engages in criminal acts? Discuss the strengths of this theory, as well as weaknesses. Are there major holes or problems you have identified in this theory? Do you think it would/could be applicable to all criminal acts?

Your initial post should be at least 250 words and must substantively integrate the assigned readings in the instructions with proper APA style formatting.