Final answer:
Social Disorganization Theory explains the relationship between neighborhoods and crime by examining social and environmental factors. It suggests that certain neighborhood variables strongly predict crime rates. By understanding these factors, we can gain insights into the biological bases of crime.
Step-by-step explanation:
Social Disorganization Theory is a popular theory that examines the relationship between neighborhoods and criminal behavior. According to this theory, certain neighborhood variables, such as the percentage of young males, jobless rate, residential instability, and population density, strongly predict crime rates. This theory suggests that the biological bases of crime can be understood by examining the social and environmental factors that contribute to criminal behavior.
For example, a study analyzing the effect of payday lenders on crime rates used social disorganization theory and found that the addition of payday lenders in a neighborhood led to a significant increase in crime rates over time. Similar studies have also analyzed the impact of other landscape elements, such as parks, liquor stores, and schools, on crime.
Overall, social disorganization theory highlights the importance of understanding the role of neighborhoods and social factors in crime, providing insights into the biological bases of crime.