Fred was a high-achieving student who made the honor roll last year. However, this year he started spending time with peers who prioritize video games over studying and typically receive grades of C and D. Gradually, Fred stops completing his homework and submitting extra credit assignments. He withdraws from his honors courses, and his grades fall from mostly A's to C's. Which deviance theory best accounts for Fred's change in behavior?
Explanation
Differential association theory best explains Fred's behavior because it emphasizes how individuals learn deviant behavior through interaction with others. Fred's association with peers who perform poorly academically influenced his decline in grades and withdrawal from honors classes.