Anomie And Social Disorganization Theory

Criminal activities are primarily based on the individual action. However, external factors may contribute to the individual tendency for criminal behavior as suggested by the sociological school of criminology. Anomie and social disorganization are two theories correlate with the sociological thought. Amonie theory suggests that there is a breakdown in social norms or lack of equality between an individual or group. This gap of norms or structures led individual to continuously altering to conditions of life causing “dissatisfaction, frustration, conflict, and ultimately criminal behavior (Bayens, pg. 69)”. In response to the inequality, individual acts by either “accepting, rejecting or substituting the cultural goals and institutionalized means” (Bayens, pg. 71) to suit their own needs. Moreover, the inequality between social statuses sparks the development of social disorganization theory which focuses on underprivileged neighborhood and community contributing to criminal behavior. The theory suggest that an individual become criminal because they are isolated for the mainstream culture and immersed in impoverished and dilapidated neighborhoods. Living in “hot

One suggestion is to provide equal opportunity for everyone regardless of social status. Another recommendation is to decrease the gap by increasing job opportunities, work programs, and educational opportunities to reach a balance social structure. In retrospect, social disorganization theory policy needs to focus on improvement of high crimes neighborhood with an increase in social, political, economic networks and resources (Bayens, pg. 71)”. To provide a more positive environment, there need to be a stoppage of neighborhood decay through increase educational organized activities, communities development (i.e. housing, shopping center, recreational center), and youth outreach