Social Disorganization Theory

Social disorganization refers to the incapability of members of society to accomplish certain specific values or find solutions cooperatively to experienced problems. This is an integral theory as it assists in understanding some of the daily problems within society such as crime rates in our neighborhoods. The theory gives a psychological explanation of crimes in neighborhoods. The theory directly creates a relation between crime levels and ecological traits. A case in example is that youths from disadvantaged or poorly developed neighborhoods partaking in a subculture that takes credit of criminal activities and felony in both social and cultural setups. The theory is substantially supported by 1 Corinthians 15:33 which states that, “Do not be deceived. Bad company corrupts good morals.”

According to this theory, the place that one resides matters in determining their individual characteristics which include age, gender and race and ultimately informs whether the individual is incorporated in illegal activities or not. Proverbs 12: 26 seem to support this point when it indicates “The righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” Owing to this, crime is evidently as a result of unfavorable conditions in certain communities. Through Social Disorganization theory, we can easily comprehend the ecological factors that lead to high rates of crime in the society. Some of the factors are directly connected to unemployment levels in the society, single parenthood, deteriorating infrastructures and high school dropouts.

Even though the theory touches on crimes, it does not cover for all types of crimes; instead it covers only street crime at the neighborhoods. Therefore, the theory might not advance arguments for organized crime, deviant behavior of individuals or even crimes within corporates. Through the theory, we understand that the situation of an individual plays a big role in their behavior. An individual’s thinking process and attitudes are informed largely by the interaction between the situation and their behavior.

Through the social disorganization theory, appropriate public policy measures can be setup. Important is to organize the communities that are disorganized. The various services can then be offered to communities like assisting them in maintaining residential homes. Through the identifications made in the theory, recreation programs could be made to help curb delinquent activities and increase participation of individuals. Through improvements of neighborhoods and making them appealing, the various social controls are strengthened.

ReferencesKingston, B., Huizinga, D., & Elliott, D. S. (2009). A test of social disorganization theory in high-risk urban neighborhoods. Youth & Society.

Steenbeek, W., & Hipp, J. R. (2011). A LONGITUDINAL TEST OF SOCIAL DISORGANIZATION THEORY: FEEDBACK EFFECTS AMONG COHESION, SOCIAL CONTROL, AND DISORDER*. Criminology, 49(3), 833-871.