The core proposition of social disorganization theory then refers to the breakdown in traditional social control and organization in the society, community, neighborhood, or family so that deviant and criminal activity result. Shaw and McKay believe that the neighborhoods with constant change and deterioration are more likely to have higher rates of crime because they are less likely to be successful in controlling the behavior of their residents. Crime rates in inner-city urban areas remained high over time, and the belief is that the structure of the city is in part responsible.
