Part one of term paper
When studying deviance, sociologists view the subject in different ways, and posses different theories about the way deviant behavior is caused, treated and studied. Goode defines theories as "models of the world that are supported by a preponderance of evidence" (p.66). In order for a theory to be considered scientific it must be: (1) emp ...

Part two of term paper
... of how society works. Even though they are similar in the sense that they all study deviant behavior, each theory differs immensely. Edwin Sutherland started the learning theory, or differential association, in 1939. He simply stated that deviance is "passed on from one to another in a genuine learning process" (p.87). The two main elements in his theory are intensity and priority. This meant that the earlier one is exposed to deviance and the more personal he/she is with the person c ...