Chapter 5 - Social Disorganization Theory

Question 1

What is Social Disorganization Theory?
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Answer 1

A macro-level theory that explains crime as a result of weak social structures in communities​

Question 2

Who developed Social Disorganization Theory?

Answer 2

Clifford Shaw & Henry McKay (1942)​

Question 3

What did Shaw & McKay discover in their study of juvenile delinquency in Chicago?

Answer 3

Crime rates were highest in inner-city areas and decreased outward, forming a Concentric Zone Model​

Question 4

What are the three key factors that lead to social disorganization?

Answer 4

Poverty – Limited resources weaken community control.

Population Turnover – High mobility prevents stable relationships.

Ethnic Heterogeneity – Language & cultural barriers reduce social cohesion​

Question 5

What is the Concentric Zone Model?

Answer 5

A theory that cities have zones, with crime being highest in the center (Zone of Transition) due to instability & poor social conditions

Question 6

What is Collective Efficacy?
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Answer 6

The ability of a community to work together to prevent crime through social cohesion and trust​

Question 7

How does Collective Efficacy impact crime?

Answer 7

Strong social networks → More informal social control → Lower crime rates

Question 8

What is the Broken Windows Theory?

Answer 8

The idea that visible disorder (graffiti, litter, vandalism) encourages further crime by signaling lawlessness​

Question 9

How does the Broken Windows Theory suggest reducing crime?

Answer 9

By fixing small issues (vandalism, litter) to send a message that crime is not tolerated

Question 10

What are the main criticisms of Social Disorganization Theory?

Answer 10

1. Not all poor neighbourhoods have high crime.
2. Fails to explain why some individuals in bad neighbourhoods don’t commit crime.
3. Focuses too much on structural factors, ignoring personal choice​
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