Clifford Shaw

Clifford Shaw was an influential American sociologist, best known for his work in criminology during the early 20th century. He co-authored the "Chicago School" sociological studies, which examined how urban environments influence behavior and social issues, particularly crime. Shaw's research emphasized the role of social structures and community interactions in shaping individual behavior, arguing that crime is often a result of social disorganization rather than personal failure. His work laid the groundwork for modern sociological theories on crime, highlighting the importance of social contexts in understanding criminal behavior.