Social Disorganization Theory In Chicago

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Recommended: The Social Disorganization Theory is an intriguing theory

The Social Disorganization theory originated from the University of Chicago also known as the “Chicago school” in 1972. The Chicago School was originally known for its sociology department and later recognized for its’ achievements in criminology. Combining ecological studies with field work in the Chicago area is what developed this school into a balanced, urban research facility. Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay, two criminology researchers, developed the Social Disorganization theory off of a previous researchers’ findings. In 1942, Edwin Sutherland began to explain the ecological differences in crime rates. Shaw and McKay modernized and continued this framework by researching and concluding their findings on the relationship between delinquency …show more content…

The students concluded where these social problems began. In 1910, when the Chicago’s population was at such a drastic increase, between migrating citizens for work as well as immigrants, resulted in a huge number of homeless people. With the desire of the American Dream, individuals would do anything to be in Chicago. Shaw and McKay took all of these findings and created their theory. They began with using the census data and created spot maps of the crime rates and their locations, as well as the type of crime that was committed. The two researchers found that there is a much higher rate of delinquency crimes that involve alcoholism, drug abuse, theft, etc. among the lower class. The Social Disorganization theory explains that the ecological location of an individuals is primarily responsible for the delinquency crimes they commit. The environment that an individual is raised in or currently resides either shapes them as a person or eventually plays a part of their everyday life. This theory was categorized into three main components; poverty, residential instability and racial heterogeneity. Crime in …show more content…

The social dynamics through out this city are determined by affiliations of individuals who relate to each other. At this point in an individuals life, they are most vulnerable as well as easily influenced. In other words, gangs and groups of delinquent juveniles are the perfect example in relation to the topic. Groups of individuals that offer things like safety or status is ideal in Detroit which results in the increase or preservation of these groups, inhabiting the ability for change. With this type of behavior being so common, exposure is inevitable and refraining is difficult. Social Disorganization explains how this exposure shapes individuals into the life of crime. This reoccurring cycle of criminal activity and ecological response is the base of this theory. While researching this city, there were many disturbing images and statistics especially while involved a juvenile as young as ten years old. This ten year old has to knowledge of life beyond his surroundings, crime is the social norm. This type of influence on the youth is detrimental to

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