Question

As mayor, you are concerned about the serious problem of drug abuse in your city. A large group of refugee immigrants recently came to your city and most are living just outside the city center, where the rents are very low. You have discovered that many of these immigrants become involved in drugs within a few months of their arrival. This scenario best illustrates which of the following?

a) Labeling theory.
b) Social disorganization theory.
c) Routine activity theory.
d) Social control theory.

Answer 1

The scenario depicting drug abuse among immigrants in a poor area of the city exemplifies social disorganization theory, which links crime to weak social ties and lack of social control.

Step-by-step explanation:

The scenario described, where a significant problem of drug abuse is observed among refugee immigrants living in impoverished areas of a city, best illustrates the concept of social disorganization theory. Developed by the Chicago School, this theory posits that crime is more likely to occur in communities with weak social ties and the absence of social control.

The immigrants are living in conditions that render effective, collective social control difficult, thereby making them more susceptible to criminal behavior such as drug abuse. This is due to factors like poverty, ethnic heterogeneity, and residential mobility which are characteristic of areas with weak social structures.