Theories Of Social Disorganization Theory

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Social Disorganization Theory
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Crime in our societies is a widespread social phenomenon dating back centuries ago and ranges from low-level delinquencies to high-level offences. Chances are high that one would be involved in crime during their lifetime, either as a victim, or as an assailant. Nevertheless, what really motivates individuals to commit crime? Studies have shown that in different political, economic, and cultural backgrounds, crime occurs in diverse patterns making it a serious social problem. Hence, criminology and sociology experts have examined numerous aspects of crime in an attempt to elucidate why individuals commit crime, and cogently explain its social context. The social disorganization theory developed by Clifford Shaw and Henry D. McKay is one theory that endeavors to explain the phenomenon of crime. This essay aims to analyze, assess, and clarify whether the social disorganization theory accurately dissects the social problem of delinquency.
Clifford Shaw and Henry D. McKay, two criminology researchers from the Chicago School of Criminology developed the social disorganization theory in 1942. The theory contends that an individual’s social and physical environments are the principle influences to the behavioral choices that they make. In their research, Shaw and McKay measured and assessed crime, truancy, juvenile delinquency, and mental disorder as part of the problems in Chicago communities. The research