Final answer:
The 'similar social conditions theory' fails to account for why school shootings occur more in rural/suburban communities due to different social conditions and factors such as limited mental health resources, higher rates of gun ownership, and a culture that glorifies guns.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 'similar social conditions theory' does not offer a plausible explanation for why school shootings occur more in rural/suburban communities. This theory, also known as social disorganization theory, suggests that crime is more likely in communities with weak social ties and the absence of social control. However, it fails to recognize that rural/suburban communities often have different social conditions than urban areas, which can contribute to higher rates of school shootings.
In rural/suburban communities, there may be limited access to mental health resources, higher rates of gun ownership, and a culture that glorifies guns or may lack awareness of the signs of potential violence. These factors, combined with a potentially larger geographic area for individuals to plan and carry out an attack, can increase the likelihood of school shootings in these areas.
Furthermore, the lack of social control in rural/suburban communities may be due to the distance between neighbors and the less interconnected nature of these areas. This can make it more difficult for residents to know their neighbors well enough to recognize warning signs or to effectively intervene in potentially violent situations.