Which theory suggests that crime is the result of transitional neighborhoods facing social disorganization?

Social disorganization theory stands out as the approach that identifies crime as a phenomenon arising from transitional neighborhoods experiencing social disorganization. This theory posits that as communities undergo significant changes, such as urbanization or economic instability, the social structures that traditionally provide order and support weaken. This disintegration of social networks can lead to increased crime rates due to factors like lack of community cohesion, weakened social controls, and diminished resources.

In transitional neighborhoods, residents may feel disconnected from their community, which undermines collective efficacy—the shared ability to maintain social order. Without strong ties among residents and a unified approach to addressing local issues, crime can proliferate, as there is less social pressure deterring delinquent behavior.

This perspective contrasts with the other theories mentioned. Strain theory focuses on the pressure individuals feel when they cannot achieve societal goals, suggesting crime is a response to these pressures rather than a function of neighborhood dynamics. Cultural deviance theory emphasizes how subcultures may develop distinct values and norms that promote criminal behavior, but it does not explicitly link this to the social disorganization in neighborhoods. Social control theory focuses on the mechanisms by which society regulates individual behavior, rather than the structural conditions of communities themselves.

Overall, social disorganization theory provides a comprehensive framework for