Consider the following statement: "The more you hang around with a group of teenagers who shoplift, the more likely it is that you will become a shoplifter." Which of the following theories would most strongly agree with this statement? retreatism theory labeling theory control theory differential association theory

The theory that would most strongly agree with the statement "The more you hang around with a group of teenagers who shoplift, the more likely it is that you will become a shoplifter" is the **differential association theory**. <br /><br />Differential association theory, proposed by Edwin Sutherland, suggests that individuals learn deviant behavior from those they associate with. According to this theory, if you spend time with people who engage in criminal activities, such as shoplifting, you are more likely to adopt similar behaviors due to the influence and learning from your peers.