Social Disorganization Theory And Criminal Behavior

Henceforth, sociological theories can also be applied to this film. One of the theories discussed in lecture was collective efficacy, which held neighbors’ willingness to intervene in neighborhoods will serve as informal social control. Ultimately, if neighbors work together, they can instill good behavior in the area. In the film, social disorganization theory seemed to prevail, instead of collective efficacy. The youth hardly received any informal social control. They would fight and sell drugs outside their homes. Formal social control methods such as the police were used to control the criminal behavioral in their neighborhoods. Moreover, differential association could also be applied to the movie. This theory holds that some social groups support criminal activity and crime is learned though interacting with these groups. …show more content…
Caine learned how to steal cars and sell drugs from his group. Lastly, strain theory can also be applied to the movie. In lecture, strain theory described that if the expectations of the culture are not supplemented with legitimate means to meet those expectations, it can result in deviance. In the film, Caine stated he did not want to work a minimum job and preferred to sell drugs. Indeed, in accordance with strain theory, working a minimum wage job would be considered a conformist; however, Caine chose to be a drug dealer, which would make him an innovator. An innovator accepts the expectations of success, but rejects conformity as a way to achieve