Ecological Models of Crime Research Paper

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 666 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 2

Page 1 of 2

Chicago School of Thought, Anomie and Strain Theories

Criminology: Chicago School, Anomie and Strain Theories

The Chicago School of criminology is a name for a conglomeration of different criminological theories that stress how the environment shapes crime-related behaviors. Chicago School theories are often said to be based on an 'ecological' models of crime. For example, theorist Robert Park held "all cities would contain identifiable clusters, which he called natural areas, where the cluster had taken on a life or organic unity by itself," including ethnic and class-based enclaves (Criminological theory: A text/reader, 384). Park specifically commented upon trends in which saw commercial businesses invading traditionally residential areas of Chicago, causing the residents to care less about the quality of their neighborhoods, show less solicitousness to their fellow human beings, and thus precipitate more crime (Criminological theory: A text/reader, 385). Ernest W. Burgess later expanded upon the theory, dividing cities into progressive 'zones.' Zones in the middle (away from the suburban periphery and away from centers of commerce) were particularly prey to crime and instability given that residents were not wealthy enough to move away but were not as well-protected by the police (Criminological theory: A text/reader, 385). This theory was further built upon as social disorganization theory which noted that "physical dilapidation, poverty, and heterogeneity" (i.e.

Stuck Writing Your "Ecological Models of Crime" Research Paper?

View All Our Example Ecological Models of Crime Research Paper

Have A Custom Example Essay Written

diversity) in city locations were highly associated with crime (Criminological theory: A text/reader, 387). Thus, the focus of the Chicago school is on the physical setting of the neighborhood and actual physical factors which promote the maintenance of crime.

Thomas Merton's anomie theory, suggests that crime is fostered by an environment in which there is a wide discrepancy between people's aspirations and their ability to achieve their goals. This explains why the United States has such high rates of crime: flaunting of material wealth is important and there is a wide discrepancy between poor and rich in terms of financial status: yet the ideology of America is that everyone can achieve his or her own heart's desire,….....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Ecological Models Of Crime" (2014, March 16) Retrieved July 5, 2025, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/ecological-models-crime-185233

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Ecological Models Of Crime" 16 March 2014. Web.5 July. 2025. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/ecological-models-crime-185233>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Ecological Models Of Crime", 16 March 2014, Accessed.5 July. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/ecological-models-crime-185233
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example