Social disorganization theory

Social disorganization theory

Social disorganization theory is a product of research carried in Chicago school, which relates to ecological approaches (Wells & Weisheit 2012). The researchers of this theory observed that crime rates were not evenly distributed in the city in relation to time and space. This theory links the crime rates to the location of the neighbourhood, rather than personal characteristics. It was observed that crime rates remained relatively high in locations with low socioeconomic status, irrespective of the changes in the ethnic groups or racial orientation of the residents. The social disorganization factors leading to crimes are the economic deprivation, family processes and neighbourhood processes. This observation led to the conclusion that youths acquire criminality in their cultural and neighbourhood settings. Thus, crime is directly linked to neighbourhood dynamics and not the personal characteristics of individuals within the community.

Research finds out that among many other theories, social disorganization and economic deprivation have much more substantial empirical support in predicting the crime rates (Sampson 2017). There is, therefore, the need to exercise caution when addressing the primary causes of youth crimes. A shift of attention, contrary to solely relying on the criminal justice system dynamics, is recommended. Social organization theory thus suggests that money be spent on investments physically located in areas with low socioeconomic status, run by the residents (Sleutjes & Schutjens 2013). Such investments strengthen local agencies and employ the residents. Moreover, inter-neighbourhood and residential ties become more substantial, and pressure on the working and middle-class reduces.

References

Wells, L. E., & Weisheit, R. A. (2012). Explaining crime in metropolitan and non-metropolitan communities.

Sampson, R. J. (2017). Family management and child development: Insights from social disorganization theory. In Facts, frameworks, and forecasts (pp. 63-94). Rout ledge.

Sleutjes, B., & Schutjens, V. (2013). Anchoring of Firms in the Neighborhood: Does Local Social and Physical Order Affect Local Firms’ Investment Strategies?. European Planning Studies, 21(8), 1256-1275.