Social control theory emphasizes the ability of employment to decrease delinquency through strengthening pro-social bonds and fostering a stake in conventional institutions (Gottfredson and Hirschi, 1990 Social learning theories would emphasize the values and norms being learned in the work environment. One branch of the social learning perspective, differential association theory, posits that having delinquent friends increases the likelihood that an individual will also exhibit delinquent behaviour (Sutherland and Cressey, 1978).