Police Sergeant Practice Exam

Which criminology theory focuses on the emergence of high crime areas due to disintegration of conventional values?

1. Conflict Theory

2. Social Learning Theory

3. Social Disorganization Theory

4. Routine Activities Theory

The correct answer is: Social Disorganization Theory

Social Disorganization Theory emphasizes the importance of social structures and community values in understanding crime rates. It posits that high crime rates often occur in neighborhoods where social institutions, such as the family, schools, and local organizations, are weakened or disrupted. When conventional values break down, residents may experience a lack of social control, leading to an environment more conducive to criminal behavior. This theory highlights how factors such as poverty, residential instability, and ethnic diversity can disrupt community cohesion and weaken social networks, making it easier for crime to flourish. In contrast, the other theories listed do not focus specifically on the disintegration of community values as a primary factor in the emergence of high crime areas. For instance, Conflict Theory centers on the struggles between different social classes, Social Learning Theory focuses on how individuals learn criminal behavior from others, and Routine Activities Theory examines the conditions under which crime occurs based on the availability of targets and the absence of capable guardians.