How many propositions are part of the differential association theory?

The differential association theory, developed by Edwin Sutherland, consists of nine propositions that help explain how criminal behavior is learned through social interactions. These propositions address the influence of the environment and interactions with peers on an individual's likelihood to engage in criminal activities.

The central premise is that criminal behavior is not inherited but learned through communication, particularly within intimate personal groups. The propositions dive into the specific mechanisms by which this learning occurs, including the importance of the frequency, duration, priority, and intensity of the associations with others who engage in or support criminal behavior. Hence, identifying the correct number of propositions reinforces the understanding of how social context and relationships play a crucial role in the development of criminal behavior according to this theory.