social disorganization/modern community theories

Question 1

the Chicago school

Answer 1

• social disorganization originated at the university of chicago
• conditions in Chicago provided background for Chicago school - rapid growth due to immigration, urbanization, and industrialization
• also during this time Darwins work was being recognized
• led to the idea of human ecology- the study of humans and the communities/environment

Question 2

transitional zone

Answer 2

consisted of recent immigrant groups, deteriorated housing factories, and abandoned buildings
- characterized by poverty, ethnic heterogeneity, and residential mobility

Question 3

Shaw and McKay and findings

Answer 3

• found that crime was the highest in the zone of transition and the lowest in commuter zones
• high crime persisted in zone 2 regardless of which ethnic group lived there
• groups that left zone 2 committed less crime, groups that entered committed more crime
• same pattern for social problems

Question 4

characteristics of social disorganization

Answer 4

• sparse local networks and weak social ties
• low organizational participation
• lack of cohesion and trust among neighbors

Question 5

results of social disorganization

Answer 5

• inability to solve problems and pursue goals
• parents/schools/churches ineffective in socializing and controlling youth
• breakdown in surveillance
• social disorganization leads to decreased control which leads to increased crime

Question 6

collective efficacy

Answer 6

• founded on trust amongst neighbors as well as a willingness to work together to solve problems
• concept combines the idea of informal social control with social cohesion
• the linkage of mutual trust and the willingness to intervene for the social good
• trusting neighbors to protect public spaces
• in areas with concentrated poverty, communities lack collective efficacy