The Application of Social Disorganization Theory in Order to Understand Crime on College Campuses

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

Past research on crime on college campuses has relied mostly on routine activities theory, and ignored the importance of social structural causes of crime and crimes other than sexual assault. (Cohen and Felson, 1979) The components of Shaw and McKay’s social disorganization theory fits in to today’s college campus, and this research will explain how to apply social disorganization theory to research on crime on college campuses. Preliminary application of social disorganization includes: students are generally financially dependent on family members or seek part-time employment during their time in school, making them exceptional members of the lower socioeconomic group. College enrollment numbers have shown an increase in racial and ethnic diversity, leading to a higher rate of heterogeneity. And lastly, residential overturn is a frequent and consistent part of higher education. Within a 4-year span, the entire population of an institution is completely different.

In particular, the issue of social disorganization theory and “neighborhood” definition has troubled researchers. But regarding college campuses, neighborhoods are clearly defined by the geographical borders through the Jeanne Clery Act and the population members as those who are enrolled at the institution.

Author

• Rebecca R.M. DeCesare, University of Central Florida