According to differential association theory, how is criminal behavior primarily learned?

Differential association theory, developed by Edwin Sutherland, posits that criminal behavior is learned primarily through interactions within interpersonal groups. This theory emphasizes that individuals are social beings who learn values, norms, and behaviors, including those that are criminal, from the groups they associate with, such as peers, friends, and family. The key idea is that the environment and social context significantly influence one's attitudes toward crime and deviance.

In this framework, the influence of close associations plays a crucial role; as individuals are exposed to differing values and attitudes, they adopt these perspectives based on the frequency, duration, and intensity of their interactions within these social groups. Criminal behaviors are thus not intrinsic qualities or merely reactions to societal structure but are cultivated within the social environments surrounding individuals. Other options like mass media exposure, which can influence behavior, do not emphasize the significance of learning in a group context, and focusing solely on family members or solitary environments overlooks the complex social interactions that are critical in the process of learning criminal behavior.