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Parents who want to excuse their children's bad behavior commonly state about their son: "He just fell in with a bad crowd." This represents the theory of _____.

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Final answer:

The statement "He just fell in with a bad crowd" typically represents the social disorganization theory, which attributes deviant behavior to environmental factors and weak social structures in a person's community.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement “He just fell in with a bad crowd” represents the social disorganization theory. This theory suggests that a person's behavior is shaped by their environment, and that individuals who grow up in communities with weak social structures and little social control are more likely to engage in deviant behavior. Developed during the early 20th century by researchers at the University of Chicago, the theory posits that high rates of crime and deviance can be found in areas where social institutions (such as schools and families) fail to provide a stable and supportive environment. Related concepts to this theory include the idea that families, as the primary agents of socialization, play a significant role in shaping an individual’s behavior. However, they are influenced by broader social factors that can lead to either positive or negative behaviors. Examples of these broader factors include socioeconomic status, community engagement or disengagement, social bonds, and prevailing social values. Delinquent behavior often occurs when these factors are disrupted or disorganized, leading to weaker social ties and increased likelihoods of individuals engaging in criminal activities.

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