Is Social Disorganization Theory Still Relevant?

Chicago criminologists were the first scholars to perform studies on neighborhood organization in urban areas, thus setting a framework for present day research on neighborhood disorder and crime. Theories on social disorganization point out that neighborhoods that lack a consensus of norms and values have higher rates of crime and delinquency. Community-based organizations provide resources to disadvantage neighborhoods that improve community cohesiveness that leads to crime reduction. This presentation compares the use of the theory in initial research with the use of the theory in present day research on neighborhood disorganization. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]