Using Social Disorganization Theory to Explore the Socio-Political Context of Crimes, Arrests, and Dispositions

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

This paper focuses on exploring the complexities of how crimes, arrests and charge dispositions are defined through the socio-political context in which they occur, such as female-headed households, population composition, education level, & poverty. To this end, the authors use Arkansas court data and the American Community Survey data to illustrate the reality and experiences of communities in Arkansas. Additionally, the authors employ social disorganization theory variables to explain the structured inequalities that lead to hopelessness and alienation. The authors further explore how this lack of resources has led to a public health crisis. There are an abundance of data to suggest that there are many causes of poverty and they often intersect with crime, health & mental health disparities, poor education, out of wedlock birth, substance abuse, and lack of housing. When it comes to disadvantaged communities they are expected to have higher crime rates, more serious disposition outcomes for those crimes, and harsher sentencing outcomes as a result of what can been identified as the culture of poverty. Expected recommendations include increasing community health and community mental health centers in disadvantaged areas and partnering with individuals and community leaders to identify and implement new and existing opportunities.

Author

• Jennifer Marie Miller, University of Arkansas at Monticello