Ace the Chicago Police Department Exam 2025 – Suit Up to Serve and Protect!

Social Disorganization Theory posits that crime is primarily influenced by the social structure and the characteristics of a community rather than individual behaviors or choices. The theory emphasizes the significance of communal relationships and the effectiveness of institutions within a neighborhood. When these relationships and institutions are weak or absent, the community lacks social cohesion and collective efficacy, which can lead to an increased likelihood of criminal behavior.

In communities where residents are disconnected from one another and there is a lack of strong social ties, individuals may feel less responsible for each other's well-being, creating an environment where crime can thrive. Factors like poverty, instability, and high turnover rates can exacerbate this disorganization, leading to an increased vulnerability to criminal activity. Thus, the absence of communal relationships and institutions is a central idea behind Social Disorganization Theory, making it the correct explanation for what contributes to crime according to this theory.