According to Sutherland, the underlying cause of deviance is not inherent in individuals but rather stems from the social groups they associate with. He argued that:
* Deviance is learned through a process of socialization. Individuals are more likely to engage in deviant behavior if they are exposed to it frequently and if it is seen as acceptable or even encouraged within their social circles.
* The content of what is learned includes techniques of deviance and the attitudes and rationalizations that justify it. This means that individuals learn not only how to engage in deviant behavior but also the reasons why it is acceptable or necessary.
* The frequency, duration, priority, and intensity of exposure to deviant behavior all influence the likelihood of its adoption. This means that the more frequently and intensely individuals are exposed to deviant behavior, the more likely they are to adopt it.
Sutherland also emphasized the importance of social context in understanding deviance. He argued that individuals are not inherently deviant, but rather become deviant through their interactions with others in specific social settings.
To summarize, Sutherland considered the learning process within social groups as the underlying cause of deviance, emphasizing the role of socialization, association with deviant individuals, and the social context in shaping deviant behavior.