Theoretical Chap. 8 and 9 Social Disorg, Strain Theory

Define Social Disorganization Theory

Crime occurs when there is an inability of a community to realize common values and effectively control youth, and control the cultural transmission of delinquent values (gangs)

3 Social Forces that cause Social Disorganization (NOT CRIME) 3 P’s

Poverty, Population Turnover/transiency, Population Heterogeneity

Author of Social Disorganization Theory

Shaw and McKay

Shaw and McKay created which hypothesis which would later become Social Disorganization theory?

Concentric Zones Hypothesis

Author of Concentric Zones Model

Burgess, cities are represented into large circles which are divided into several rings which all represent different areas of the city. 

According to Social Disorganization Theory, crime is a function of what?

The neighborhood (these disorganized neighborhoods)

What is a zone of transition in this theory?

These are neighborhoods that are highly disorganized; located between the downtown area (factories) and suburban areas. They often have shifts of population/demographics, full of crime, factories and businesses are right next to houses.

4 things that define a disorganized neighborhood

1. Weak informal social control

2. Needs not being met

3. Weak socialization

4. Leads to youths running free/lack of social control, transmission of criminal values

Social Disorganization theory is a theory of the crime rates of what?

the crime rates of communities (neighborhoods)

Social Disorganization, Strain theory, and Labeling theory are all at what level of analysis?

All three are macro theories

Social forces do NOT cause crime, they cause what?

Social Disorganization

The data for social disorganization was gathered in what decade?

1920’s

The theory of social disorganization was developed in what decade?

1930’s

What city and decade did Shaw and McKay develop their theory of social disorganization?

Chicago, 1930’s

Define Population Heterogeneity

Cities divided into many different subareas that are culturally exclusive, have their own needs,wants and cultures (Little tokyos, little italys, little mexico, little greece)

Examples of Informal Social Control in neighborhoods

People talking to neighbors, having a close bond between neighbors, Neighbors keeping watch over the neighborhood, “Hey, i saw a strange car outside your house while you were away”

Examples of socialization in a neighborhood

Community Centers (giving kids hobbies to do, keeping them busy and letting them make friendships with other neighborhood kids)

What theory is most valid at the macro level?

Social Disorganization Theory

Social Disorganization and Strain theories both try to account for what?

high crime rates among disadvantaged, lower class, and minority ethnic groups

Social disorganization didn’t start with an idea but with what?

data (Shaw and McKay’s study)

In Anomie Theory, society is divided into what two things?

societal goals (ends), and institutionalized means (legal means)

According to Anomie theory, when there is a disparity of focus placed upon the goals and the means are not achievable, what happens? (goals cant be reached with available means)

Anomie is created

Who developed the first Anomie theory?

Robert Merton

Who developed the concept of Anomie?

Emile Durkheim

Merton developed five modes adaptation to strain, what are they?

1. Conformity

2. Innovation

3. Ritualism

4. Retreatism

5. Rebellion

Define Conformity

Embraces both societal goals and institutionalized means

Define Innovation

Embraces societal goals but rejects institutionalized means (steal, sell drugs, extort money)

Define Ritualism

Rejects societal goals but embraces institutionalized means (

Define Retreatism

Rejects both societal goals and institutionalized means

Define Rebellion

Subtitutes an alternative set of goals and means for traditional ones

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Author of institutional strain theory

Messner and Rosenfeld (1994)

Define institutional strain theory

antisocial behavior is a function of cultural and institutional influences in US society. financial status or money is the most important thing in America (American Dream), encouraging an anomic society

Author of General Strain Theory

Robert Agnew (1992)

Define General Strain Theory

explains why individuals who feel stress or strain are more likely to engage in delinquent behaviors/acts. Multiple sources of strain affect an individual’s emotional traits and responses to produce criminality