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Which criminological theory explains why neighborhoods with unemployment, incarceration, and broken homes tend to have higher crime rates?

a. Labeling theory
b. Social control theory
c. Strain theory
d. Conflict theory

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

Social Disorganization Theory explains why neighborhoods with unemployment, incarceration, and broken homes tend to have higher crime rates. option b.

Step-by-step explanation:

Neighborhoods with high crime rates can be explained by Social Disorganization Theory. According to this theory, crime is most likely to occur in communities with weak social ties and a lack of social control. Factors such as unemployment, incarceration, and broken homes contribute to the weakening of social ties in a neighborhood, leading to higher crime rates.

For example, in a poor neighborhood with high rates of drug use and violence, individuals are more likely to engage in criminal behavior compared to a wealthy neighborhood with a good school system and positive community involvement. The absence of social control in the form of strong social bonds and collective efficacy allows for deviant behaviors to thrive.