Social Disorganization Theory Of Gangs

Chapter 4 describes various theories that provide explanations for the existence of gangs throughout the nation today. Moreover the chapter examines from the earliest theories of gangs to the most recent ones. Along with the other theories described in the chapter, Social Disorganization Theory is the central theory of study. Among other theories, Social disorganization is the most important; it was developed by the Chicago School. The theory goes on to further explain and link crime rates to the neighborhood’s macro-level (ecological) characteristics. The theory’s focus is that ethnic heterogeneity, low socioeconomic status, and residential mobility reduce the capacity of community residents to control crime. The development of the Social

First and foremost, he observed that immigration subtleties contribute significantly to the community disorganization. In Thrasher’s contextualization of gangs he goes on to connect ganging in relation to five community situations. They include community disorganization, ineffective families, poor quality schooling, association with undesirable peers, and the lack of leisure-time guidance. Furthermore, Thrasher’s gang social disorganization theory developed not only pertained to Chicago its concept applied to other places like Los Angeles, Denver, New York City to name a few. Additionally gang’s influence and gangs influenced are by their physical environment and what surrounds them on their daily life. That said, several studies have concluded that gangs are more likely to reside and partake activity in poor and disorganized cities and communities. According to Shaw and McKay the central thesis of social disorganization theory is that ethnic heterogeneity, low socioeconomic status, and residential mobility reduce the capacity of community residents to reduce crime. They also specify three mechanisms by which social disorganization theory accounts for gang existence which include: neighborhood population mobility, ethnic heterogeneity and