What is meant by the term "differential association," and how is this concept significant to the learning process?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Possible answer: Association describes the interactions we have with people and the word ‘differential' pertains to a difference or distinctive feature. Thus, differential association represents interaction with people that is distinctive because they either favor obeying rules and norms or those that break rules, commit crime, and do bad things. Typically not everyone we associate with are all bad, or all good for that matter. The trick is to consider the people that are most important, that we spend the most time with, and how intense our relationships are with these individuals. The more meaningful a relationship, the more likely these individuals can shape behavior through learning. Say, for example, a band of our best friends all decide that smoking marijuana is a good idea. You may notice that they are having a good time while getting and being high. Then you decide to try it. You have a good time and have fun. Well, you may be likely to try it again and get rewarded again by the drug and the experience. What if your parents found out and they did not really care? What if they punished you severely? This is how the learning process works out in real life.