Social Disorganization Theory Analysis

In this research study, we will be examining The Social Disorganization Theory derived from The Chicago School of criminology. The purpose of this study is to better understand the social and ecological characteristics of those whom reside within this community and the environmental influences that may have contributed to the increased crime rate; which has significantly lead to mass incarceration within the urban community. This research will examine how many environmental characteristics impact the community and the particular disadvantages which lead to the increase in crimes? We will also assess the different legislative factors that theoretically contribute to the growing rate in poverty, which ultimately leads to an increase in the incarceration rates? Lastly, we will further explain the correlation between poverty and crime, and how it contributes to greater disparities within the community. These questions will be answered by focusing on impoverished communities consisting of primarily African Americans and Latinos.

Frank Schmalleger explains the theory of social disorganization as one that depicts both social change as well as conflict, and lack of any agreement as the origin of its cause for both criminal behavior as well as nonconformity to society and closed associated with the ecological school of criminology (Schmalleger, 2012, p. 152). The philosophy behind the organization and structure of a society and how that contributes to criminal behavior within society is by stressing poverty, economic conditions, lack of education, lack of skills, are not sought-after in the work place, and divergent cultural values. Criminal behavior is the result of the person’s assignment of location within the structure of society.

Seeking the answers for juvenile delinquency using the Social Disorganization Theory, "Testing Social Disorganization Theory For

To prevent crime, it is imperative that the law enforcement agencies and scholars examine why people commit crime. A number of theories have emerged and many still continue to be explored in exclusion and in combination to seek the best solutions that can ultimately reduce the types and the levels of crime. One such theory that is still being explored is social disorganization theory. According to this theory people's tendency to take part in criminal activities is largely determined by the neighborhood where they are brought up in especially if conditions favorable to crime and delinquency prevail in such places. When communities becomes incapable of realizing common goals and solve problems that its residents face, there is a high likelihood that its residents will engage in criminal activities (Sampson & Grove, 1989). Some of the problems that are likely to increase incidences of crime in neighborhoods when communities fail to address them are poverty, residential mobility, ethnic heterogeneity, and weak social networks. They decrease a neighborhood's capacity to control the behavior of people in public.

So far, both theories are able to explain the crime inequality observed insides neighbourhoods; however, when it comes to explaining the difference in crime rates between neighbourhoods with similarly low levels of poverty, social disorganization theory is not able to fully explain why such difference may occur, as it places a greater focus on the internal dynamics of the neighbourhoods than on the external contingencies (Peterson & Krivo, 2010, p. 92). Based on Table 4.5 of Divergent Social Worlds: Neighborhood Crime and the Racial-Spatial DivideI, minority low-poverty areas have roughly two and a half times more violence than their white counterparts (Peterson & Krivo, 2010, p. 88). Social disorganization theory insists that residential instability (percent of those who owns and percent of those who rent) , population heterogeneity (internal differences, including ethno-racial differences), poverty (percent of those who live in poverty), income, deteriorating neighbourhood, and population loss (percent of those who leave due to deterioration) are mechanisms that leads to the absence of informal social control and increases social disorganization, causing the loss of control over youths who then hang out at spontaneous playgrounds and form gangs with delinquent traditions that get passed down through cultural transmission. If such was the case, then one would expect neighbourhoods with similar and comparable local conditions to have similar average rates of crimes. However,

Other researches have taken a look at, to what extent does social disorganization factors such as ethnic heterogeneity in neighborhoods; poverty; dilapidated housing; single families’ homes; and socioeconomic status might influence criminal acts/behaviors that are committed by racial and ethnic minorities (Sampson & Wilson, 1995; Sampson & Groves, 1989; Shaw & McKay, 1929). For example Shaw and McKay (1929) who we can consider the father of social disorganization theory, found that it was not ethnicity or race that influenced these groups involvement in crime, but rather the social disorganization and its location within the area that affected the crime rates. Within this research we will attempt to find ways gain and understanding as to why these areas tend to be more affected than others, and to examine ways to address the lack of support of Social disorganization and racial inequality within

In regards to recent motives and outcomes of crimes, the social disorganization theory presents a new outlook into why individuals from poor neighborhoods can begin to dissociate from social normality and become issues within society. Individually, we have the choices and the ethics to lead our lives. Entering social dilemmas is probable, but with the right choices, anyone can be presently normal. Society demands everyone to be competent, willing to produce content as a job, and withhold from being an issue. Being able to analyze by using the social disorganization theory is needed so that we can start to assist those in the “bad” neighborhoods to prevent any more come ups of people growing into difficult or criminal members of society. As this theory suggests, groups of people within various backgrounds can cause many of these issues, however, with probable resolutions, these issues can digress rapidly and improve all actions of society if the proper motives, authority, and action is taken. This was very present in my hometown with the north side versus the south side of town. I got to grow up on both the good and bad sides of town, making this an advantage for me with

Social disorganization theory is a good way to measure the differences levels of crime between neighborhoods. Referring to the book article “Social Disorganization Theory’s Greatest Change: Linking Structural Characteristics to Crime in Socially Disorganized Communities by Charis E. Kubrin and James C. Wo on Pg.122” I can say one of the key factors that refer crime- free in a high level of poverty neighborhoods is that are based on the solidarity, cohesion, and integration as a social connection between residents as a collective efficacy. Also Social ties can lead to the assistance of poor neighborhoods to help them to solve any problem that affect communities with high rate of poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and family instability.

Ethnographic researchers has long studied the motivations and similarities between offenders and career criminals. There is a parallel relationship within persistent offenders escpically the factors that influences them to commit or recommit certain crime, it is important to understand that there are many factors that influences persistent offenders  such as financial motivation, social factors, emotional state.

Numerous studies have been done on gangs and gang members. Why to members of society, particularly men, turn to a life of crime and join a gang. The importance of studying gangs and why people join them allows law enforcement to reduce gang recruitment, thus leading to a decrease in gang violence. Do young men living in low-income neighborhoods have a higher risk joining a gang? Clifford Shaw and Henry D. McKay's (1942) social disorganization theory applies to the research question. "The general hypothesis is that low economic status, ethnic heterogeneity, residential mobility, and family disruption lead to community social disorganization, which, in turn, increases crime

History has had many theorys and espeially in criminal justice , every one knows that no system is perfect . and if it is they just haven't found it yet. but we come with many thoerys and one that stock to me was the social thoery that we are infuneced by the people and things around us ,we all know it it can be from a ganag to a tv show to our parents, to our every day hero but one criminal justice that stock to me was the social theories the (social disorganization) part.

Common characteristics of neighborhoods with low-level socioeconomic status and physical disorder, which include poverty, high mobility, etc., are all characteristics that the social disorganization theory finds related to high-crime areas. In the article, “Life and Death in the City: Neighborhoods in Context” by John Logan, the author discusses what exactly causes crime and disorganization within a neighborhood. He stated, “Robert Sampson used census data to show that the higher the proportion of divorced adults and the higher the proportion of households headed by a single woman in a neighborhood, the higher proportion of residents who have been victims of crime.” He also explained that the unconventional families within a neighborhood, the less control over youths who are tempted to complete deviate

Social Disorganization “is a branch of social structure theory that focuses on the breakdown in inner-city neighborhoods of institutions such as the family, school and employment” (Seigal 164) These types of environments make it more susceptible to have youths become involved in gang activities as well as recruit other youths (164,Seigal).

Social disorganization theory in part manages to evaluate why youth crime occurs; however, this theory has its limitations, and requires additional insight from another theory; General Strain Theory to provide a strong evaluation methodology. In evaluating these theories, several academic sources such as articles and books will be consulted.

In their article, Clifford R. Shaw & Henry D. McKay address their statement of social-disorganization theory. Shaw & McKay start their article off by addressing the differences between high and low-crime-rate neighborhoods, but mainly those in Chicago where they performed their studies. They go into detail and discuss the moral values within the high and low-crime-rate neighborhoods. Shaw & McKay also address the delinquency data rates within both the low and high-crime-rate neighborhoods. They also discuss the areas with high and low delinquency rates. Shaw & McKay also share and describe two case studies they had with two delinquent boys, who both grew up in different parts of Chicago. The first case study address a boy, who at a young age