Which factor is mentioned as significant in Differential Association theory?

Differential Association theory emphasizes the importance of the frequency and duration of interactions that individuals have with others when developing criminal behaviors. This theory, proposed by Edwin Sutherland, posits that individuals learn criminal values and techniques through their associations with others who engage in such behaviors. The more frequent and prolonged these interactions are, the greater the likelihood that an individual will adopt similar criminal behaviors.

This concept underscores how social connections and relationships play a crucial role in the process of learning from the environment; those who are consistently around individuals who hold pro-criminal attitudes or engage in illegal activities are more likely to internalize and replicate those behaviors. Thus, frequency and duration of interactions provide a clear framework for understanding the transmission of criminal behavior across social networks.