Social Disorganization Theory

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the social disorganization theory attributes the variation in crime over time to a breakdown in community institutions, such as families, churches, schools and local governments. When these institutions breakdown, crime is encouraged. The paper then reviews more recent applications of this theory, which hold that the social disorganization theory refers more to a breakdown in a community's culture, especially in the area of morals, rather than to a breakdown in community institutions. The paper concludes that both the social and cultural interpretations of the social disorganization theory are good places for the police to start understanding the crimes in their communities.

From the Paper:

"There is also another avenue to discuss with relation to today's society and the problems police face. As discussed, social disorganization theory refers to the idea that social conditions can influence people's behavior. In today's society, especially provincially, a real influence on people's behaviors is technology, the internet and cellular phones specifically. When looking at social disorganization theory, the discussion often revolves around knowing one's, or not knowing one's neighbors."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bursik, R. J., Jr. (1988). "Social Disorganization and Theories of Crime and Delinquency." Criminology 26.
• Markowitz, Fred E., Paul E. Bellair, Allen E Liska, Jiahong Liu. (2001). Extending Social Disorganization Theory: Modeling the Relationships Between Cohesion, Disorder, and Fear. Criminology 39.
• Matza, D. & G. M. Sykes. (1961). "Juvenile Delinquency and Subterranean Values." American Sociological Review 26.
• Sampson, Robert J. (2004). Networks and Neighbourhoods: The Implications of Connectivity for Thinking about Crime in the Modern City. Pp. 157-166 in Network Logic: Who Governs in an Interconnected World? Ed. Helen McCarthy, Paul Miller, and Paul Skidmore. London: Demos.
• Sampson, Robert J. and Steve Raudenbush. (2001). Disorder in Urban Neighborhoods: Does It Lead to Crime? Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice.

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