Social Disorganization Theory

Definition of Social Disorganization Theory

The Canada social science dictionary [1] provides the following meaning of Social Disorganization Theory: The theory that crime and other deviant behaviour is most likely to occur where social institutions are not able to direct and control groups of individuals. It is argued that gangs will arise spontaneously in social contexts that are weakly controlled. Some criminologists think that the concept of social disorganization just reflects middle-class failure to comprehend organization different from their own.

Social Disorganization Theory: Resources

Notes and References

• Drislane, R., & Parkinson, G. (2016). (Concept of) Social Disorganization Theory. Online dictionary of the social sciences. Open University of Canada