Social Disorganization

Social Disorganization

Christine Beck

CJA 384

January 13, 2014

Patrick Cote

Social Disorganization

What is social disorganization and how is it related to organized crime? “Some researchers link criminality to social conditions prevalent in neighborhoods. Many of them believe that the reasons crime rates are high in these areas are urban decay, a general deterioration of the ecology of inner cities, and general social and familial deterioration”, (Lyman, Potter, 2007. Chap 2, pg.68). Social deterioration of a particular city can begin with high poverty levels and the lack for employment opportunities, the family breakdown can also have a major role in social disorganization. Because of these reasons a city can become riddled with crime because the people within do not have the social back up a society needs to be self-sufficient, thus criminality can basically take over causing the community itself to be disorganized. Lawlessness may also prevail due to the social disorganization within the community. It is not just limited to criminals and their actions, but can also reach within the walls of the government run organizations. Organizations such as police departments, Mayors, Governors, Congressmen, and Ward Aldermen, also play a major role in a cities downward spiral toward social disorganization if corruption is at play.

Social disorganization and organized crime can go hand in hand. If a city is experiencing poverty and unemployment that gives the organized crime groups head way to come in and distribute their illegal activities. Young people especially would be prone and willing to make an extra buck in hard times; it’s just with organized crime sometimes they can get in over their heads. Socioeconomic stratification; the divisions of humans within a given society based on monetary, ethnic, racial or even charismatic circumstances can cause an inordinate amount of stressors which in turn can affect the decisions of those within certain...