Question 1

Broken Windows Theory developed in opposition to Social Disorganization Theory.

Accepted Answer

Broken Windows Theory and Social Disorganization Theory both address urban crime and decay, but Broken Windows Theory focuses on the impact of visible signs of disorder (like broken windows) leading to more serious crime, while Social Disorganization Theory emphasizes the breakdown of social structures and community controls. They are complementary rather than oppositional theories.

Question 2

Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay found that rates of delinquency were highest in the zone most distant from the central business districts.

Accepted Answer

Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay found that rates of delinquency were highest in the zone of transition, which is the area surrounding the central business districts, not the most distant zones.

Question 3

Social disorganization theories tend to focus on groups and places rather than individuals.

Accepted Answer

Social disorganization theories emphasize the influence of social environments, such as neighborhoods, on crime rates, focusing on how the breakdown of social institutions (like family, school, and community networks) affects group behavior rather than individual actions.

Question 4

According to Ruth Kornhauser's approach to social disorganization theory, neighborhoods characterized by poverty, population turnover, and racial/ethnic heterogeneity cannot control their environments and achieve common goals.

Accepted Answer

Ruth Kornhauser's social disorganization theory posits that neighborhoods with high levels of poverty, population turnover, and racial/ethnic heterogeneity face difficulties in maintaining social control and achieving common goals due to weakened social structures.

Question 5

Social disorganization research has not yet included self-report surveys.

Accepted Answer

Social disorganization research has included self-report surveys as a method to gather data on individual behaviors and perceptions, which helps in understanding how social disorganization affects crime and deviance within communities.

Question 6

Social disorganization theory and broken windows theory both consider images of crime and disorder in the neighborhood important for understanding crime and deviance.

Accepted Answer

Both theories emphasize the importance of environmental and social conditions in neighborhoods for understanding crime and deviance. Social disorganization theory focuses on the inability of a community structure to control its residents, while broken windows theory suggests that visible signs of disorder and neglect lead to further crime and antisocial behavior.

Question 7

Kornhauser focused on the subculture found in socially disorganized neighborhoods and paid little attention to the structural aspects of the theory.

Accepted Answer

Kornhauser criticized the overemphasis on subcultural explanations and argued for a stronger focus on structural factors, such as poverty and social disorganization, in explaining delinquency.

Question 8

Research testing social disorganization theory has found that it explains crime and deviance in both metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas.

Accepted Answer

Research on social disorganization theory has shown that the concepts of social disorganization can apply to both urban and rural settings, indicating that factors such as community disorganization, weakened social ties, and economic deprivation can contribute to higher rates of crime and deviance in both metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas.

Question 9

Policies and programs related to broken windows theory generally focus on stopping
high-level criminal activity after it escalates.

Accepted Answer

Broken windows theory policies and programs focus on addressing minor crimes and disorderly behaviors to prevent more serious crimes from happening, not on stopping high-level criminal activity after it escalates.

Question 10

Collective efficacy serves an important mediating effect between structural factors associated with social disorganization and deviant behaviors such as violence.

Accepted Answer

Collective efficacy, which refers to the willingness of community members to intervene for the common good, especially in supervising children and maintaining public order, mediates the relationship between structural factors (like poverty, residential mobility, and ethnic heterogeneity) associated with social disorganization and the occurrence of deviant behaviors, including violence. It emphasizes the role of social cohesion and trust in reducing crime and delinquency.

Question 11

Outline Sampson and Groves' model of social disorganization.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Outline Sampson and Groves' model of social...

Question 12

Crime rates in a major U.S. city appear to be located in particular neighborhoods closer to the city center. What are some important aspects a researcher would want to consider in choosing to examine the social disorder of neighborhoods and crime throughout the city? Explain why this is important to examine through social disorganization theory.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Crime rates in a major U.S. city...

Question 13

Wilson and Kelling (1982) published an essay titled "Broken Windows: The Police and Neighborhood Safety." Explain the basic premise of this article as it relates to the study of crime and deviance, as well as a brief statement of the policy implication for police.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Wilson and Kelling (1982) published an essay...

Question 14

Describe how restricted access and forced mobility contribute to the social disorganization of neighborhoods.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe how restricted access and forced mobility...

Quiz 5: Social Disorganization Theory