Final answer:
Chapter 7 addresses the high rate of gang violence in Chicago, with factors such as income inequality, poverty, and weak social control contributing to this issue, as explained by social disorganization theory.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chapter 7 in the works of Alex Alvarez and Ronet D. Bachman likely explores the high rate of gang violence in Chicago, focusing on multifaceted issues and historical context. The surge in gang activity and affiliated violence in Chicago can be attributed to a combination of factors, as indicated by research, such as income inequality, lack of economic opportunities, rampant poverty, and weakened social control within certain neighborhoods. Social disorganization theory, developed by the University of Chicago, plays a pivotal role in understanding why crime, particularly gang-related crime, is prevalent in disorganized communities with poor social cohesion. The theory posits that when community bonds are weak and social institutions are ineffectual, residents are more susceptible to criminal influences. Factors such as drug and alcohol abuse, along with the illegal drug trade's profitability—especially in areas with few other opportunities—further exacerbate the situation. Studies also suggest that environmental and neighborhood variables can significantly influence crime rates, and these factors likely contribute to the high levels of gang violence in Chicago.