Degree Name

Master of Arts

Document Type

Thesis

Date Created

8-1-2020

Department

College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Criminology and Criminal Justice, CRJ Student Work

Abstract

Social disorganization theory states that individuals residing in disadvantaged communities are more likely to engage in delinquency and criminality due to the elements the individuals experience (Shaw & McKay, 1969). More specifically, social disorganization theory refers to the failure of the community to fully understand and acknowledge the common goals or solve any issues that the community might be experiencing (Kubrin & Weitzer, 2003). Utilizing social disorganization theory, specifically, the family disruption and poverty elements, the current literature focuses on individuals who reside in disadvantaged communities in Denver, Colorado. By using the qualitative approach, this study relied on in-depth interviews with 13 individuals who live in Summit and Newberry Housing. After the in-depth interviews, NVivo software was used in order to effectively code the transcriptions into thematic analysis. Results concluded three main themes about the individual’s experience residing in disadvantaged communities (1) evidence of disorder (i.e., perception of the community, living conditions, services, and challenges in the community), (2) family disruption (i.e., family environment, relationship with parents/kids, and activities with parents/kids) and, (3) crime/delinquency. The findings in this study correlate with previous research in which give scholars a better understanding of the individual’s experiences residing in disadvantaged community. Recommended policies implications for individuals experiencing elements of social disorganization theory, specifically, family disruption, poverty, and crime/delinquency are any mentoring programs, institutional resources, community policing, and forming effective social ties.

Keywords

Social Disorganization; Family Disruption; Poverty; Disadvantaged Communities; Denver; Colorado

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

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