Information On Social Disorganization Theory

Social disorganization theory is one of many theories created by sociologists to explain why society functions in the way it does. This particular theory focuses on the relationship between communities and crime rates. Forms of social disorganization and the theory are constantly evolving as researchers learn more about the topic, taking into account facts and criticism.

Definition

Social disorganization theory helps us to understand why there are varying rates of crime in different communities. The theory categorizes the shared characteristics of high-crime neighborhoods and uses other social theories to define why those specific characteristics lead to crime. Organization is seen when people of all age levels are involved in community-led activities, fostering collective bonds. The absence of this sort of activity leads to what researcher call social disorganization.

Origins

According to Gary Jensen's paper "Social Disorganization Theory," sociologists at the University of Chicago first developed the concept of social disorganization in the early 1900s. At the time, Chicago was home to a large immigrant population and was growing at a rapid pace. The new residents did not learn the social rules of the city, and this led to a state of disorganization. Community institutions such as family, school, or church were not as close-knit as they had been before the population boom, and crime rates increased.

Characteristics

High-crime areas are typically large and composed of apartment blocks. Community members commonly move in and out of these units, so people rarely get to know their neighbors. People tend to have low-income levels and are often part of a minority group. Many are either divorced or single parents, according to the Law Library website. Such communities are usually found in inner-city areas and have been increasing in numbers since 1960, the website says.

Effects

The shared characteristics of people in high-crime communities lead to an inability of the residents to apply effective social control. Young people are not given the education or guidance that enables them to develop self-control or social conformity, reports the Law Library website. A lack of investment in the community means that residents are unlikely to form organizations that might lend a sense of control to the area. Crime rates then skyrocket because the community is largely unregulated by the individuals, who have little interest in the community.

Criticism

Critics argue that social disorganization theory does not address basic motivations for people to commit crimes. The theory indicates that high crime rates are a normal result of weak, divided communities, rather than individual people with a predisposition towards crime, according to Jensen. Theorist Robert Merton made the case in the 1950s for a social theory that looked at why some people commit crimes and why others do not, which social disorganization theory does not provide.

References

• Crime Causation
• Social Disorganization Theory