Social Disorganization Theory

In Sociology, Social Disorganization Theory refers to a theory originally

developed by the Chicago School. It suggests that a person’s capacity to develop a

strong and stable social relationship and shared societal values is based on quite a lot

of variables and not just one’s individual personality or characteristic. The theory

states that apart from the natural culture itself of a specific area; ethnic diversity,

residential turnover rate, the economic stability, size of the population, family stability

and the closeness of one area to urban areas play a major role in the development of a

person’s social bonds and criminal propensity. In a nutshell, it theorizes that the

environment and type of culture one is surrounded with, highly influences an

individual in many aspects.

Importance of the Study

Social Disorganization is an important theory in Criminology as this

psychological study looks into a much broader spectrum than just an individual’s own

background and Personal characteristic. In my opinion, if the societal factors are taken

into account, the government authorities are able to see so many angles of the

problem and consequently is given the chance to develop solutions for each one.

Logically, this study and the corresponding measures to suppress the factors

help massively in reducing the criminal propensity of a person and consequently,

decreasing the crime rate of the country itself. Subsequently making the police efforts

of the government more effective in their endeavor to protect the interest of the public

and better safeguard not only the local but the national security as well.
Juvenile Delinquency

Juvenile Delinquency refers to a type of antisocial behavior in juveniles that

leads to commitment of crimes or in participation in criminal activities. The term

“Juveniles” refer to young adults who have not yet attained the legal age. Juvenile

Delinquency, even if committed by those who are not yet of legal age, is still

considered a violation of the law in the United States and such offenders are still

made liable.

Examples of Crimes Committed

Juvenile delinquency can include a wide range of crimes including but not

limited to disorderly conduct, minor theft, burglary, car theft, rape, assault, vandalism,

and murder.

Classifications of Juvenile Offenders

A Psychological review published by Terry E. Moffitt posits that there is a

dual taxonomy to Juvenile delinquency. Based on the patterns of Antisocial Behavior

observed, the study concluded that the two types of Juvenile offenders are:

Life-Course Persistent Offenders and Adolescence-Limited offenders.

Life-Course Persistent Offenders are individuals who have started to engage

in criminal behaviors early on in their lives. The trajectory of their criminal career is

very lengthy and consistent that it even continues on after the early adulthood stages,

while Adolescence-Limited offenders are defined as those offenders whose criminal

careers are only limited to their teenage or late adolescent years. Their involvement in

crime is only temporary.

Social Disorganization in Relation to Juvenile Delinquency

As previously mentioned, Social Disorganization Theory suggests that the

capacity to form social bonds and societal values are highly influenced by the

environment and culture that surrounds an individual. This is also used as a

substantial predictor of one’s criminal propensity.

This is evidenced by the studies of criminal statistics between a disorganized

community and an organized community.

Differential Crime Statistics

Disorganized communities are those characterized by disadvantaged residents

and a lack of resources. Such communities have high residential turnover rates and the

residents do not know each other. These members display an attitude of nonchalance

and indifference towards each other. Because of this, they are more likely to look the

other way if they see a crime being committed against one another. This in turn makes

for a breeding ground for high levels of criminal activity in all ages, especially from

the juvenile group. The list includes crimes from light to grave. It ranges from

disorderly conduct, minor theft, burglary, car theft, to rape, assault, vandalism, and

murder.

On the other hand, an Organized community is one that is characterized by the

presence of Formal organizations such schools, churches, and the presence of active

police. These act as surrogates for family and friends and provides the means by

which a society maintains its unity and cohesion through effective control of its

members, and hence, functions smoothly. These types of communities, in turn have

significantly lower crime rates.