CRIM 104 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Social Disorganization Theory, Human Ecology, Simon & Garfunkel
10 Feb 2017
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Document Summary
Bursik reviewed some of problems w/ social disorganization theory. Stressed that there were exogenous forces that could have deleterious effect on community stability. Noted that city planning & construction of gov-sponsored public housing could attract impoverished indivs/families who otherwise would be unable to afford to live in particular community. Bursik recognized in 1988 article that higher reported rates of crime & delinquency could be reflection of police bias toward particular community rather than fair & accurate representation of criminal proclivities of local inhabitants. Areas characterized by low socioeconomic status & high residential density more likely to attract attention of police. Results in more police reports & higher arrest rates. Social disorganization model of crime & delinquency generally argued that socioeconomic composition of neighbourhoods related to rates of illegal behaviour only to extent that increases likelihood of residential turnover & racial/ethnic heterogeneity. Reflects traditional assumption of human ecology that urban areas characterized by continual processes of residential upgrading.
