CMY3701
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 18 AUGUST 2025
, The Explanation of Crime
SECTION A
Question 1
1.1 Critically discuss the Social Disorganisation Theory
Introduction
Social Disorganisation Theory, initially developed by Shaw and McKay (1942), posits
that crime is more likely to occur in communities experiencing social instability, poverty,
and a breakdown of institutions like family, education, and community structures. The
theory focuses on how structural and cultural breakdowns in certain neighbourhoods
contribute to criminal behaviour, particularly among youth.
Core Concepts
1. Disorganised Communities
Social disorganisation refers to the inability of a community to achieve common
values and maintain effective social controls. Areas with high residential mobility,
ethnic heterogeneity, and poverty often lack the social cohesion needed to
prevent crime (Kubrin & Weitzer, 2003).
2. Weakened Social Institutions
Schools, families, and religious organisations play a crucial role in socialising
individuals. When these institutions are weakened by broader socio-economic
conditions, they fail to effectively monitor and guide behaviour (Sampson &
Groves, 1989).
3. Lack of Informal Social Control
In stable communities, neighbours intervene when deviant acts occur. However,
in socially disorganised neighbourhoods, the lack of trust and cohesion leads to
reduced informal surveillance (Vold et al., 2018).
4. Cultural Transmission of Deviance
Shaw and McKay (1942) found that criminal values and behaviours are
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 18 AUGUST 2025
, The Explanation of Crime
SECTION A
Question 1
1.1 Critically discuss the Social Disorganisation Theory
Introduction
Social Disorganisation Theory, initially developed by Shaw and McKay (1942), posits
that crime is more likely to occur in communities experiencing social instability, poverty,
and a breakdown of institutions like family, education, and community structures. The
theory focuses on how structural and cultural breakdowns in certain neighbourhoods
contribute to criminal behaviour, particularly among youth.
Core Concepts
1. Disorganised Communities
Social disorganisation refers to the inability of a community to achieve common
values and maintain effective social controls. Areas with high residential mobility,
ethnic heterogeneity, and poverty often lack the social cohesion needed to
prevent crime (Kubrin & Weitzer, 2003).
2. Weakened Social Institutions
Schools, families, and religious organisations play a crucial role in socialising
individuals. When these institutions are weakened by broader socio-economic
conditions, they fail to effectively monitor and guide behaviour (Sampson &
Groves, 1989).
3. Lack of Informal Social Control
In stable communities, neighbours intervene when deviant acts occur. However,
in socially disorganised neighbourhoods, the lack of trust and cohesion leads to
reduced informal surveillance (Vold et al., 2018).
4. Cultural Transmission of Deviance
Shaw and McKay (1942) found that criminal values and behaviours are
