Reference no: EM133168465

Social disorganization theory is a macro approach developed by Shaw and McKay. Some theorists believe that neighborhoods characterized by constant change and deterioration are more likely to be crime-ridden because they are less likely to be successful in controlling the behavior of their residents. Crime rates in inner-city urban areas remain high over time, and the belief is that the structure of the city is in part responsible. Other theorists have looked at the concentration of unemployment, welfare, community engagement, political activity, and volunteer work as a gauge of the relative health of a community.

Some theorists believe that communities in a state of anomie, where the norms are unclear or absent, produce conditions favorable to the proliferation of crime. In other words, there has to be a way to achieve the goals universally sought after in society. If the goals remain, but there is no manner in which certain members of society may achieve those goals, anomie may take effect. Society has laid out a blueprint for success: If you play by the rules, you will succeed. This blueprint explains the proper way to achieve this success. But what happens if everyone does not have an equal opportunity to achieve the "American Dream"? According to anomie/strain theorists, these blocked opportunities, and the strain associated with them, can lead to criminal or deviant activity. Crime is committed as an effective but illegitimate way to gain success. Anomie and strain have been used to discuss entire societies in a macro approach, or groups of people in a micro approach.

Answer the following questions in an essay:

1. What is social disorganization in detail?

2. Describe an example of social disorganization where you live or an area that you have heard about.

3. What is the importance of social disorganization theory in crime prevention?