Social disorganization in rural communities

Abstract

Social disorganization theory (SDT) utilized in this chapter to demonstrate the behavioral backlash of rural populations as a result of economic choices. Social disorganization theory links the association of high crime and violence rates to ecological structures in the environment. Widely used in urban settings, the behaviors of rural community members is of central importance to this chapter and the utility of SDT. In communities where social disorganization is evident, there is a lack of capacity in its members to solve problems jointly in their shared environment due to ethnic diversity or residential instability. As this theory is explored, other social issues are examined, including urban and rural crime, and the capitalism effect in the criminal justice system.