Cultural transmission theory of deviance is a theory that states that certain behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs are passed down from one generation to the next through the actions and behaviors of parents and other authority figures. This theory is typically used to explain why certain groups are more likely to engage in criminal or antisocial behaviors than others.
The cultural transmission theory of deviance typically takes two forms. The first form, called direct transmission, states that the behavior is passed down through the direct actions of the parent or other authority figure. So, for example, a parent who regularly abuses their child is likely to pass on that abusive behavior to their children.
The second form of cultural transmission theory of deviance is called indirect transmission. This theory states that the behavior is passed down through the indirect actions of the parent or other authority figure. For example, a parent who regularly abuses their child may be a bad role model, but their children may not learn how to abuse other people through direct contact with the parent. Instead, they may learn to abuse others by watching their parents abuse them.
Despite the differences between the direct and indirect transmission theory of deviance, they agree that certain behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs are passed down through the actions and behaviors of parents and other authority figures. Therefore, this theory explains why certain groups are more likely to engage in criminal or antisocial behaviors than others.
