Theories of Social Disorganization

Theories of Social Disorganization suggest that communities with high poverty, unemployment, and residential instability tend to have weaker social institutions like schools, family, and neighborhood organizations. This weak social fabric makes it harder for residents to collaborate and enforce norms, leading to higher crime rates and social problems. Essentially, when neighborhoods lack cohesion, trust, and shared values, it becomes easier for deviant behaviors to flourish. These theories emphasize that the social environment and community structure play a crucial role in shaping behavior and maintaining social order.