Social Disorganization Theory asserts crime is more likely in neighborhoods with what?

• A. Weak social ties and low informal social control
• B. High government investment
• C. Strong formal institutions
• D. High cultural homogeneity

Answer: (A)

Social Disorganization Theory looks at how neighborhood structure and social networks shape crime. When a community has weak social ties, residents aren’t connected or involved with one another, and informal social control fades. People are less likely to notice, intervene, or sanction deviant behavior, and norms aren’t effectively reinforced. That breakdown in informal control and social cohesion creates an environment where crime is more likely to occur. So, the option describing weak social ties and low informal social control best fits the theory.

The other conditions would generally contribute to more order or formal control: investment and resources from government can support policing and services, strong formal institutions provide clear rules and enforcement, and cultural homogeneity often strengthens shared norms and supervision.