Theory of social disorganization

M6 Discussion Activity – Social Factors
Discussion Instructions

For this discussion, please answer the following question. Shaw and McKay’s theory of social disorganization argues that factors in a community cause it to have a high crime rate. They argue that crime is not caused by the people who live there; rather crime is caused by the social factors of economic deprivation, residential mobility, and racial/ethnic heterogeneity, which in turn cause social disorganization. What other social or structural factors do you think might cause high crime rates besides these listed by Shaw and McKay? What other characteristics of a community might contribute to a high crime rate? In addition, to receive full credit for the discussion, you will also have to respond to at least one classmate’s post. Examples of possible responses:
o Ask classmate for clarification on the post
o Challenging a peer’s comment (support your reason)
o Do you agree or disagree with their opinion? Why agree/disagree?