Social Structure Theories of Crime II: Key Concepts

What does the Chicago School of Criminology emphasize in its theoretical framework?

The environmental impact of living in high-crime neighborhoods and the application of ecological principles to explain city growth and crime rates.

What historical context contributed to social disorganization in Chicago during the 19th century?

Unprecedented population growth and a diverse immigrant population led to social disorganization and a breakdown in social control, contributing to high rates of delinquency and crime.

How did the Department of Sociology at the University of Chicago contribute to criminology?

It played a crucial role in developing theoretical models to understand and address social problems faced by the city, establishing Chicago as a laboratory for sociological research.

What is the concentric circles model proposed by Burgess?

It states that cities expand from the inside out, with the inner city exerting pressure on adjacent zones, and consists of five zones that grow in a natural way.

What are the five zones in Burgess's concentric circles model?

Zone I: Central Business District; Zone II: Zone in Transition; Zone III: Workingmen's Homes; Zone IV: Higher-Priced Family Dwellings; Zone V: Suburban or Commuter Zone.

What characterizes neighborhoods with high crime rates according to Shaw and McKay's theory of social disorganization?

Physical decay, poverty, cultural diversity, transient populations, and high unemployment.

What was a significant finding of Shaw and McKay's research regarding delinquency rates?

Zone II determines delinquency rates regardless of ethnicity or race, challenging social Darwinism's influence on crime.

What criticisms exist regarding Shaw and McKay's social disorganization model?

Critics argue it neglects individual-level factors and fails to explain exceptions and factory invasions.

What is the main focus of cultural/subcultural theories of crime?

Certain groups socialize individuals to view criminal activities as positive, with norms that differ from mainstream society.

What are the 'focal concerns' in Miller's theory?

Fate, autonomy, trouble, toughness, excitement, and smartness, which are deemed important by lower-class members.

Who is Elijah Anderson and what is his contribution to the study of crime?

A sociologist known for studying urban neighborhoods, race, and crime, providing insights into disadvantaged communities.

What does research indicate about crime rates in Black communities compared to predominantly white communities?

Crime rates, especially violent crimes like homicide, are higher in Black communities, with extreme disadvantage being a stronger predictor of crime.

What is intra-racial crime and how does it relate to racial segregation?

Intra-racial crime refers to same-race victim-offender incidents, which are more prevalent than interracial crime, supporting the concentration of crime in racially segregated communities.

What are some policy implications derived from social disorganization and cultural/subcultural theories?

Mixed results have been observed, with neighborhood watch programs being generally ineffective, while targeted interventions for high-risk youths show promise.

What role do natural areas play in the Chicago School's understanding of cities?

Natural areas refer to identifiable clusters within cities, such as Chinatown or Little Italy, which can have varying crime rates.

How did urban sprawl affect communities according to the Chicago School?

It disrupted the stability of communities, leading to increased crime rates, traffic congestion, and conflicts between homeowners and developers.

What is the significance of the Chicago Area Project in relation to Shaw and McKay's model?

It aimed to reduce delinquency based on the social disorganization model but had limited success in preventing criminal behavior.

What does the ecological school of criminology focus on?

It focuses on the environmental aspects of crime and how urban environments influence criminal behavior.

How did the Chicago School view cities in the context of ecological principles?

They viewed cities as complex organisms with interdependent citizens and groups, functioning through symbiosis.

What does the term 'social disorganization' refer to in criminology?

A breakdown in social control within neighborhoods, often linked to high crime rates.

What is a criticism of cultural/subcultural theories regarding their representation of society?

They often fail to account for the majority of the population, as subcultural groups make up only a small percentage of society.

What is the relationship between crime and social control in high-crime neighborhoods?

High-crime neighborhoods typically exhibit a breakdown in social control, leading to increased delinquency and crime.

What is the impact of transient populations on crime rates according to social disorganization theory?

Transient populations contribute to instability and a lack of community cohesion, which can lead to higher crime rates.

How does the Chicago School's model apply to modern urban environments?

The concentric circles model and social disorganization theory can still be observed in major cities worldwide, reflecting ongoing urban dynamics.

What does the term 'cultural adaptation' refer to in the context of violence according to Ferracuti and Wolfgang?

It refers to violence being viewed as a culturally learned response to negative life circumstances.