The social disorganization theory proposes that crime rates are affected by the structure and organization of neighborhoods. Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay initially developed this theory in 1942 based on their study of crime patterns in Chicago neighborhoods. They found that crime rates were highest in neighborhoods near the city center that had high levels of poverty, residential mobility, and family instability. These socially disorganized neighborhoods lacked strong social ties and control, allowing crime to flourish. Later theorists like Sutherland expanded on how peer influences and social learning can contribute to criminal behavior in such neighborhoods. The theory suggests reducing crime requires improving economic conditions and social structures in disadvantaged communities.

1. Bernardo Guillen
Governor State University

2. Introduction
Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay initially
proposed the theory in their book published in
the year 1942.
Highlights variations in crime rates among
neighborhoods.
Assumes that basis of crime behavior is entirely
dependent on neighborhood’s structural and
cultural states.

3. Development of the Theory
Clifford and Henry examined distribution of
delinquency among various groups in Chicago.
Found that cases of delinquency reduced as one
moved from the city center outwards.
Neighborhoods with high levels of delinquency
had high numbers of social problems.
Concluded that crime is a likely product of
neighborhoods dynamics.

4. Family as a process leading to
crime
Social disorganization causes juvenile violence by
affecting family structures and stability.
Family instabilities eliminates essential set of
regulations that control youth’s behavior.
Weak families and lack of effective guardianship
lead to increased crimes.

5. The influence of Sutherland
Sutherland sets the stage for understanding
several theories on crime based on Differential
Association Theory.
An individual can acquire criminal tendencies by
associating with persons who are considered
deviant.
This relationship allows persons to learn specific
traits
Frequency, and time determine the likelihood of
crime

6. Influence of Sutherland
Sutherland’s assertion explains the influence of
peers in crime processes.
Sutherland presents nine propositions that can be
summarized as learning crime.
Additionally, he addresses explores criminal
motivation, communication, logic, and group
think.

7. Neighborhood processes and crime
occurrence
Social disorganization such as low economic
status, residential mobility and ethnic
heterogeneity affect informal regulations plans.

8. Neighborhood processes and crime
occurrence
Neighborhoods with compromised social state
are likely to have sparse local friendship network,
unsupervised youths and poor social organization.
Lack of effective control measures increases the
rates of crimes.
Social disorganization models promote the
assessment of important social dynamics that result
in cohesive and helpful neighborhoods

9. Economic factors and crime rates
Economic deprivation leads to social
disorganization.
Social disorganization and poverty increases
violence among youths.
Poor communities lacks enough resources for
defending their interest collectively.
Economic inequalities creates latent hostilities.

10. The Implication of the theory
Public spending and private investments should
be channeled towards impoverished areas.
Family preservation programs should be funded.
Large public bureaucracies should be
neighborhood-based.

11. References
 Akers, R. L. (2009). Social learning and social structure: A general
theory of crime and deviance. New Brunswick, N.J: Transaction
Publishers.
 Steenbeek, W., & Hipp, J. R. (2011). A longitudinal test of
social disorganization theory: feedback effects among
cohesion, social control, and disorder. Criminology, 49(3),
 Sun, I., Ruth T., & Randy G. (2004). “ Social Disorganization,
Legitimacy of local institutions and neighborhood crime: An exploratory
study of perceptions of police and local governments,” journal of crime
and justice Witherspoon, D., & Ennett, S. (2011). “An Examination of
Social
Disorganization and Pluralistic Neighborhood Theories with
Rural Mothers and Their Adolescents.” Journal Of Youth &
Adolescence,