The theory of the Chicago School’s primary concentration was quantifying the relationship between a neighborhood’s crime rate and the characteristics of the neighborhood (Bohm & Vogel, 2011). Furthermore, this study would serve as the foundation for subsequent studies illustrating the correlation between crime and delinquency (Bohm & Vogel, 2011). Since we possess some general background information on the theory of the Chicago School, we need to analyze the of the theory beginning with ecology. Ecology is defined as a branch of biology, in which the interrelationship of plants and animals is studied in its natural environment (Bohm & Vogel, 2011, p. 71). Additionally, Robert Park was the Chicago theorist to apply the organic or biological …show more content…
Shaw, in conjunction with Henry D. McKay, theorized delinquency was attributed environmental factors peculiar to specific neighborhoods and through court records they created three types of maps to conduct analyses of neighborhoods (Bohm & Vogel, 2011). First, spot maps located the residences of the youth in police and court records, then rate maps illustrated the percentage of total juvenile population in 140-square-mile areas that had police or court records, and finally zone maps showed the rates of male juvenile delinquency within the concentric zones of the city (Bohm & Vogel, 2011, p. 72). At the conclusion of the study, zone 2 possessed and maintained the highest delinquency rates regardless of the cultural or ethnic group occupying the area (Bohm & Vogel, 2011). Subsequently, Shaw examined juvenile’s personal history to discover what environmental factors affected their behavior, and he contributed high delinquency to socially disorganized areas (Bohm & Vogel, 2011). The factors that label a environment as socially disorganized include the usual controls over delinquents are largely absent, delinquent behavior is often approved of by parents and neighbors, many opportunities are available for delinquent behavior, and little encouragement, training or opportunity exists for legitimate employment (Bohm & Vogel, 2011, p.