CMY3701
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO. 506251
DUE DATE: 18 MARCH 2025
, CMY3701
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2025
Unique No. 506251
Due Date: 18 March 2025
The Explanation of Crime
SECTION A
1.1 Shaw and McKay’s (1942) Social Disorganisation Theory
Shaw and McKay’s Social Disorganisation Theory is rooted in the Chicago School of
Criminology and explains how crime rates are influenced by neighborhood
characteristics rather than individual traits. Their research found that crime is highest in
areas with weak social structures and that these issues persist regardless of changes in
the ethnic composition of residents.
Key Aspects of Social Disorganisation Theory:
1. Poverty: Low-income communities often lack resources for law enforcement,
education, and public services, which leads to increased crime.
2. Ethnic Diversity: Communities with a high level of diversity struggle with
communication and forming collective values, making social control weak.
3. Residential Mobility: High turnover rates prevent strong social ties from
forming, leading to less accountability and more crime.
4. Family Breakdown: In areas where families are unstable, children lack
supervision and are more likely to engage in criminal activities.
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO. 506251
DUE DATE: 18 MARCH 2025
, CMY3701
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2025
Unique No. 506251
Due Date: 18 March 2025
The Explanation of Crime
SECTION A
1.1 Shaw and McKay’s (1942) Social Disorganisation Theory
Shaw and McKay’s Social Disorganisation Theory is rooted in the Chicago School of
Criminology and explains how crime rates are influenced by neighborhood
characteristics rather than individual traits. Their research found that crime is highest in
areas with weak social structures and that these issues persist regardless of changes in
the ethnic composition of residents.
Key Aspects of Social Disorganisation Theory:
1. Poverty: Low-income communities often lack resources for law enforcement,
education, and public services, which leads to increased crime.
2. Ethnic Diversity: Communities with a high level of diversity struggle with
communication and forming collective values, making social control weak.
3. Residential Mobility: High turnover rates prevent strong social ties from
forming, leading to less accountability and more crime.
4. Family Breakdown: In areas where families are unstable, children lack
supervision and are more likely to engage in criminal activities.
