Final answer:
Early U.S. cities saw high levels of group violence and crime due to a combination of ethnic and religious rivalries, economic pressures and competition, alcohol abuse, and poor living conditions, which all contributed to a lack of social control and increased crime rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The persistent problem of group violence and crime in early U.S. cities can largely be attributed to a mix of social and economic factors. Factors such as ethnic and religious rivalries, economic pressures and competition, alcohol abuse, and poor living conditions all interplayed to contribute to the high levels of crime.
Ethnic and religious rivalries often fueled tension between different community groups, especially as waves of immigrants arrived in cities looking for work and a better life. This competition for resources and jobs heightened existing prejudices and could lead to violence. Furthermore, economic pressures contributed to feelings of discontent and strife, with the competition for jobs and resources among the urban poor and newly arrived immigrants intensifying these pressures.
Alcohol abuse was another significant factor that contributed to crime and violence. Desperation and lack of social supports could lead individuals to drink, which in turn would lead to higher rates of violence and crime. The poor living conditions in rapidly growing urban areas also exacerbated tensions; overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and lack of access to services created an environment where crime could thrive.
The interplay of these adverse conditions led to a lack of collective social control, akin to a dysfunctional family where parents have lost the ability to manage their children. Neighborhoods that lacked stable, homogenous populations faced greater difficulties in maintaining social order, which in turn led to increased crime rates compared to wealthier, more stable communities.