Criminological Theory: The Chicago School

Chicago School Contributions

• Emergence of sociology in Chicago (1892) addressing social issues.

• Use of community projects and field research for practical study.

Social Disorganization

• Defined as the breakdown of social structures in neighborhoods.

• Measured by factors like economic status, ethnic diversity, mobility, and family stability.

Theoretical Approaches

• Eco. Theory: Concentric zones illustrate urban pathology; Zone 1 (CBD) to Zone 5 (commuters).

• Culture Conflict: Norms of immigrant cultures clash with dominant societal norms.

• Symbolic Interactionism: Human behavior shaped by social symbols and peer reflection.

Research Methods

• Emphasized case studies and ethnography; realistic perspectives on communities.

• Major works include:

  • "The Gang" (F. Thrasher)

  • "The Jackroller" (C. Shaw)

Key Findings

• Delinquency concentrated in high-density, disorganized urban areas.

• Social pathology decreases with distance from city center.

• Crime originates in areas of minimal social control and disruption.

Summary Points

• Social behavior is influenced by environmental context.

• Urbanization disrupts cohesive cultural values, leading to disorganization.

• Conflicts arise from differing cultural values and encroachments.