Abstract This paper examines Social Disorganization Theory as an explanation of homicide. The explanation is delineated and criticisms of the theory are discussed. The paper concludes that the theory is sound in explaining homicide but insufficient in explaining several phenomena associated with homicide.
From the Paper "Siegel states that there are several theoretical explanations for homicide but that none is definitive primarily because of difficulties associated with empirical research on homicide ..."
Abstract 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."
Tags: breakdown bond moral variables, community policing
Abstract Juvenile delinquency is a contemporary term for an old problem. One of the oldest relevant studies of the phenomenon is ?social disorganization? theory, which was developed by the Chicago school of sociology in the 1920?s. The paper shows that this theory posits that there exist areas in a city in which traditional institutions have little or no control. This was studied in Chicago using a system of "Concentric Zones" which demonstrated that most of the crime in the city occurs within certain areas that are typically associated with poverty. The paper discusses studies done by Shaw and McKay in the 1940s which used this theory to show a strong association between census tracts and crime rates. The paper describes the theory and analyzes it, showing the arguments of those schools who utilize the theory as well as its critics.
From the Paper "She felt that court appearance was too narrow of a metric to judge delinquent behavior in children. She argues that the customs of diverse cultural groups are such that irrespective of the location of the groups in the city the proportions of their populations who come before the courts will inevitably vary. Robison's concept of delinquency is broader than Shaw?s, and extends to cover behavior, which is generically described as anti-social. She argues that that the higher the parental income the fewer the child's chances of coming into court. Robison's arguments would appear reasonable in its universality: view of the fact that the efficiency of various cultures in controlling the behavior of individuals can scarcely be measured in the same way."
Tags: central, business, district, transitional, zone
Abstract This paper looks at how criminal street gangs have created social disorder in various parts of the United States, prompting policymakers and politicians alike to face an unpleasant truth; they must realize the tremendous task ahead of them in preventing and suppressing gangs and their illegal and violent activities. It discusses how gangs are often of the majority of "urban minority underclass" and how they are often a result of dismal socioeconomic and social conditions. It concludes that social disorganization plays a major part in why youth of today (and even yesteryear) have and will continue to join gangs.
From the Paper "Establishing public social control in schools to help bridge the gap between police and children and help them promote a collective efficacy in their community could be the first step. The other might be that churches, schools, and afternoon programs establish specially designed programs that help keep children away from trouble. The third policy might be that peers, families or relatives help to be involved. Promoting self-awareness and trust within the community will help keep collective efficacy down. Neighbors who look out for one another have a better chance of keeping out crime. Having trust in their public servant, (i.e. the police) will establish cohesiveness between the community and police. Community-watch programs can thus be established and lower the crimes within the community because there is trust amongst the community as well as with the police and vise versa."
This paper is a literature review studying the relationship of heroin addicts and either their D (disorganized) type attachment, or factors that might be assumed to denote D type behaviors.
Abstract This paper examines dysfunctional attachment, especially the D (disorganized) form, as an a priori factor in the psychology of heroin addicts and as an impact on the therapeutic relationship. The author points out that Goodman and Hans (1999) investigated infants exposed to methadone in utero did not differ from comparison infants in indexes of proximity-seeking at reunion but did display higher scores on indexes of disorganized and avoidant behavior and lower scores on indexes of contact-maintaining behavior. The paper relates that because some people who can control their habit, indulging in heroin only on weekends, all addictions may not be allied to dysfunctional attachment patterns.
From the Paper "Carswell et al (2002) investigated a social control model for dealing with serious addiction in youthful abusers. They noted that some "argue that delinquency and substance abuse are learned behaviors produced by continued exposure to multiple risk factors associated with problems or deficits within the individual, family, peers, school, and community." Among these was conflict-ridden families, arguably resulting in dysfunctional attachment patterns. They investigated whether the standard protective factors-supportive parental relationships among them-were mitigating factors for both the dysfunctional behaviors and resulting abuse problems."
Tags: priori, therapeutic, studies, control, family
Abstract This paper explains that the Chicago school theory, a legacy in the field of criminology, hypothesized in the 1920s and 1930s, states that where social institutions, norms and values are no longer functioning, high rates of violence, drug abuse, poverty and disease occur. The author points out pitfalls in this theory such as (1) gangs do not only exist in communities with few personal binds between residents and, even within ghettos, there are dependable residency patterns and strong community member ties and (2) the theory is based on spherical reasoning that is, social disorganization is the reason of criminal behavior, and crime is an indicator of social disorganization. The paper relates that the Chicago School theory fails to grasp that the contemporary street gang is planned as a business usually a drug-dealing business; therefore, this theory can no longer be used to understand these gangs.
From the Paper "A number of the initial work in the crime appeared from the University of Chicago in the 1920's. The job done at this school recognized long traditions of theories to help explain why crime occurs, and what to do regarding it. It incorporated the work of Robert Park, Ernest Burgess, Frederick Thrasher, and in later years the Chicago School theory of Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay. The crime deterrence plans appeared from this work, such as the Chicago Area Projects which ran for over half a century, were based on a simple notion: the finest unit of analysis to study crime was the neighborhood and the interrelationships of diverse groups within the neighborhood, such as the street gang. The ecology of crime approach used the neighborhood as the level of analysis, and it conceptualizes the neighborhood as a communal ecosystem."
Abstract The paper explains that criminology is the study of criminal behavior through a scientific means to seek a method for best diverting the mass society from committing criminal acts. The paper looks at various views of criminology, including those of Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham, Cesare Lombroso's notion of determinism, the Chicago School's view, the routine activities theory, the social disorganization theory and finally, Durkheim's ideas. The paper suggests that today, criminology should turn its focus toward the minority poor communities in seeking the root cause of the sentencing disparity prevalent in minority areas.
Outline:
Introduction
Classical Criminology
Determinism
The Chicago School's View of Criminology
Routine Activities Theory
Social Disorganization Theory
Durkheim's Anomie
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "The beginnings of criminology in the United States began with the founding fathers and the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution and is a theory relating to criminal behavior of individuals. The theoretical framework of criminology within this view is one that is straightforward and simple and states that the individual, upon having been informed of a specific penalty for the commission of a crime will inherently weigh the options. Measurement of the options is based upon the potential present and future pleasure weighed against the potential present and future pain for having committed the crime, been caught and punished. There have been various theories posited to attempt to pin down precisely the precise theoretical framework that identifies the method to fulfill the 'aim' of criminology, which is to 'speak truth to power'."
Abstract This paper discusses the circumstances and identity of the killer dubbed "Jack the Ripper." The paper examines possible theoretical frameworks within which we can gain insight to the true motives and circumstances of the event. It specifically discusses the psychoanalytic theory and the social disorganization principles and how they contributed to understanding "Jack the Ripper's" killing spree.
From the Paper "The East End London killing spree of 1888 has become infamous in popular culture and history. An unknown serial killer, known to this day only as "Jack the Ripper" engaged in a series of grisly murders. His profile was that of a serial killer, with a specific victim--East End prostitutes. The historical events concerning Jack the Ripper and his murders have been overshadowed by the enormous public fascination with the case, particularly its unresolved status. To this day, no one knows who Jack the Ripper was, but the search for and debate over his identity has given rise to an entire branch of criminal justice research known as "Ripperology." The actual identity of the murderer will likely never be known. All that exists are facts about the victims and the crimes themselves, all else is conjecture. Using the known facts of the case and the little that is certain about the killer, motives can be easily extrapolated. Jack the Ripper's brutal and misogynistic killings were driven by behaviors that can be explained by psychological theories, particularly Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory; while the social disorganization theory explains how the social conditions of London's East End at the time provided an atmosphere where his motives could be carried out."
Abstract This paper explains that, while the primary purpose of gangs may be to engage in criminal activity, they serve other social functions that attract teens as gang members. The author points out that researchers have developed a variety of different theories to explain the proliferation of gangs such as criminological theories, which focus on the social aspects of crime and gang membership. The author points out that the advocates of social disorganization theory suggest that this theory is more comprehensive than any of the criminological theories and may be able to supply a broader solution to the gang problem.
From the Paper "In addition, many people believe that gangs are only an urban problem. This impression has a basis in reality; the majority of gang activity is concentrated in large cities and suburban areas. Furthermore, these areas large urban and suburban areas are more likely to report long-established gang activity. However, gang activity is spreading to smaller urban and rural areas. The spread of gang activity may be very significant because of the composition differences between established and newer gangs."
Abstract Hurricane Katrina was the worst natural disaster in American History. Although the storm itself was a destructive force, the social and political issues that arose in its wake are likely to go down in history as even more destructive. One of the most discussed social issues has to do with the increased crime rates that have occurred in cities that absorbed large numbers of Hurricane Katrina evacuees. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of citizen displacement on cities such as Houston and San Antonio, Texas. In particular it focuses on the rising crime rate in Houston and the theory that may explain why there has been such a significant increase in the amount of crime in the area.
Outline:
Introduction
Crime Increases in Houston, Texas Following Hurricane Katrina
Social Disorganization Theory
Conclusion
From the Paper "There may be several reasons why the increase in crime has been so prevalent in Houston. For the purposes of this discussion, we will focus on Social disorganization theory particularly as it relates to residential instability. According to National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) social disorganization theory can be described as
"an inability of community members to achieve shared values or to solve jointly experienced problems (Bursik, 1988; Social Disorganization and Rural Communities)." The article explains further that the problem of social disorganization is usually prevalent in urban areas that are the only places the newly arriving poor (evacuees) can afford to live. "
Abstract The paper blames the current welfare system, the federal-state unemployment insurance program and state prison systems for fostering dependence on federal and state governments and increasing unemployment and poverty rates. The paper discusses the social disorganization theory and the critical criminology theory and argues that the rising poverty rates are a major cause of crime.
From the Paper "As the United States continues to slide into an economic recession, poverty rates are continuing to rise across the country. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2007 12.5 percent of the American population was trapped in poverty, (U.S. Census Bureau, 2008). This was an increase to the 2000 level of 11.3 percent. This is a stark contrast to the more affluent days of the past. In previous years, the value of the dollar on the global scale far surpassed most other currencies; yet, in modern years, it is only half of the value of the Euro, the reigning currency of the European Union. Unaffordable housing, high unemployment rates, and even higher inflation rates have created an environment of a disappearing middle class, where poverty is reaching out and claiming many of the previous middle class status, and making the gap between the poor and the rich even wider."
Tags: unemployment, benefits, social, disorganization, critical, criminology, theory
Abstract This paper describes four basic adult attachment styles: the secure/autonomous style, the dismissing/avoidant style, the preoccupied style and the unclassifiable/disorganized style. The author stresses that early attachment styles are established in childhood through the infant-caregiver relationship. The paper relates that, regardless of the type of adult attachment style, communication is one critical item that will help people have lasting relationships. The author urges that persons not be labeled by their attachment style because they can re-train themselves to develop more positive behavior.
Table of Contents:
Defined
Secure / Autonomous Style
Dismissing / Avoidant Style
Preoccupied Style
Unclassifiable / Disorganized Style
Conclusion
From the Paper "As these children grow into adults, the effects are also positive. Children who are securely attached tend to have trusting, long-term relationships in their adulthood. As adults and being securely attached, these same individuals have a great understanding and perspective on important relationships in their lives. They demonstrate a forgiving attitude toward their mate and tend to show compassion for others. They tend to speak of how their past experiences have influenced their present feelings and relationships."
Abstract This paper examines the problem of juvenile offenders in the US. The paper first suggests that, although the United States continues to hold more juveniles in prison under the sentence of life without the possibility of parole than all other countries, this monumental problem of juvenile violent offenders can be stopped. The paper then reviews the rational choice model and the social disorganization theory, which present different views about the causes of juvenile delinquency, but agree on the importance of social factors in the problem of juvenile delinquency. The paper thus recommends developing a social plan to eradicate poverty, improve parenting, and encourage teens to stay away from nonviolent crimes as well as a program within community organizations such as the public school system to address juvenile delinquency.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Scope of the Issue
Makeup of the Juvenile Population
Juvenile Offenders and Offenses
Theories Regarding Juvenile Offenders
Rational Choice Theory
Social Disorganization Theory
Recommendations
Conclusion
From the Paper "One of those conditions of social change that has been proven to influence the juvenile delinquent possibilities of juveniles is socioeconomic change. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, juveniles living under the poverty line have proved to be more involved in delinquency than juveniles who are not impoverished. Although the study contended that poverty does not necessarily have a direct link to juvenile violent offenses, it does tend to produce juveniles who are in single parent homes or who become parents during their adolescent years, both of which are indicators of delinquency."
Tags: homicide, life imprisonment, human rights, cost-benefit, attitudes
Abstract This paper examines the history of campaign finance and campaign finance reform for elected officials in the U.S. It discusses the main issues in the debate including corruption, disorganization, and mass media influence. it outlines the McCain-Fiengold Bill as well as the debate between Bush and McCain during the primaries of the 2001 Presidental Election campaign.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Campaign Finance Reform
3. Issues
4. McCain-Feingold Bill
5. McCain / Bush
6. Conclusion
From the paper:
"From the first democratic election, politicians, journalists, and the public have decried the high cost of campaigns. It cannot be disputed that political campaigns rely on money from filing until the election and well beyond. From the beginning of the democratic election process, politicians, journalists, and the public have individually and collectively viewed with horror the ever-increasing cost of campaigns. Each election cycle sets a new record for spending. The critics cite the cost of presenting a candidate or issue but fail to take into consideration the increasing number of voters, distribution of constituencies, competition to spend, cost of new technologies, and inflationary pressures."
Abstract The writer of this paper claims that the 1994 Rwandan genocide of 800 000 people was preventable. The paper shows how during the affair, the UN appeared disorganized and lacked any initiative and the author recounts chains of events and also the results of the UN's actions (or inaction).
From the Paper "In 1994, from April 6 until June 14, one of worse and deadliest massacres of the 20th century occurred in Rwanda. These bloody two months, triggered by the mysterious assassination of Rwandan President Habyarimana, resulted in the murders of 800,000 people (approximately 6 people per minute). Despite these outrageous figures, the international community reacted in an extremely slow manner. The huge death toll of this genocide could have been prevented if various countries and international organizations had not allowed personal politics hold them back."
Tags: 25, dallaire, decision, directive, genocide, hutu, nations, peacekeeping, presidential, romeo, rwanda, tutsi, un, unamir, united
