Social Disorganization

Social Disorganization

CJA/325

August 8, 2016

Edward

Social Disorganization

The city of Baltimore is one of the main hubs on the East Coast of the United States.  The city of Baltimore has a population of 2.7 million residents as of 2010.  Although I have picked Burglary and Violent crimes, Baltimore had 223 homicides in 2010, which is fewer in numbers compared to 2009, 2008, and 2007, but had over 650 reported violent crimes per 100,000 in 2009 which is 68 percent higher than the national average (Kurtzleben, 2011).  The Kurtzleben (2011) website states that Baltimore is number eight on the list as one of the top 11 most dangerous U.S. cities.  Baltimore could just as easily have a much higher crime rate, however the use of foot patrols, bicycles, unmarked and marked police cars are all ways to get more police presence on the streets.  Baltimore I find to be a great example on how social disorganization can exists.  2.7 million people live in a 92 square mile city.  With this many people, it will be hard for many to not be living on top of one another as social disorganization and organized crime groups can develop.  

Social disorganizations is a theory that was developed around the 1920’s.  This theory was and still used by criminal justice professionals to help predict the trends of the criminal behavior and how contributing factors play a role as to why individuals turn to a life of crime over being law abiding citizens.  Criminologist during the 1920’s brought to light of the social disorganization theory to the community of the justice department.  These professionals brought concerns as to the reason why certain individuals conducted criminal activity.  What they discovered was that there were key factors that played a role into criminals going down the path that they have chosen.  Economically challenged neighborhoods within a city or poverty stricken areas within a community breed criminals.  Since churches, schools, businesses, and local politics are not able to function in these areas, social disorganization theory is able to predict deviant behaviors as well as predict future crime trends.

Close living conditions such as apartments or duplexes within a city are areas that crime can be more prevalent.  Social disorganization theory suggest that affected communities can raise children affected by a socially disorganized community, meaning they do not know who they are or know the direction they want to go, turn to the life of criminal activity as an outlet to find who they are or some type of direction.  Divorced or single parents who work odd hours or even work more than one job can result with youth having a lot of unsupervised idle time which can cause deviant activities.