According to Differential Association theory, how is crime primarily acquired?

Differential Association theory, developed by Edwin Sutherland, posits that criminal behavior is learned primarily in intimate groups. This theory suggests that individuals learn values, attitudes, techniques, and motives for criminal behavior from those close to them, such as family members and friends. The intimate nature of these relationships fosters an environment where individuals are influenced by the norms and values of their peers, potentially leading them to adopt criminal behaviors if those close to them have deviant tendencies.

The focus on intimate groups highlights the social nature of crime and emphasizes the importance of personal relationships in the learning process. Factors such as genetic predisposition and media influence, while they can play roles in behavior, are not seen as primary mechanisms for acquiring criminal behavior according to this theory. Instead, it underscores the direct social interactions that shape a person's propensity to engage in crime. Environmental factors can also play a role, but they do not capture the essence of how crime is learned through the close, personal interactions emphasized in Differential Association theory.