Social Disorganization, Interpersonal Violence, and the Rural/Urban Divide

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

Social disorganization theory suggests residential instability, ethnic heterogeneity, family disruption, and low socioeconomic status will positively predict crime in a community (Shaw & McKay, 1942, Osgood & Chambers, 2000; Sampson & Groves, 1989). Much of the earlier work on social disorganization has focused on crimes committed outside of the home. Researchers expanded on social disorganization theory by applying the theoretical framework to more intimate crimes, such as domestic violence, rape, assault, and other forms of interpersonal violence (Browning, 2002; Miles-Doan, 1998). However, the majority of the research that falls under the social disorganization umbrella was conducted in urbanized communities, thus potentially limiting the generalizability of the results. The purpose of this study is to expand previous literature by using a social disorganization theoretical framework to examine rates of interpersonal violence, aggravated assault, and rape within metro and non-metro counties in a southern state. Results from the analyses will be discussed.

Authors

• Amanda Goodson, Sam Houston State University

• Leana A. Bouffard, Sam Houston State University