Social Disorganization -- Shaw and Term Paper

Solutions

To create a more integrated community, first it is necessary to diagnose the problems of the community. The high rate of crime, if it is caused by ethnic diversity, may be healed in part by giving young people of all ages and cultures a community center in which they can enjoy commonly-shared pastimes, regardless of their racial or ethnic background. The center could also embark upon community projects, like painting over the graffiti in the area, picking up litter, and other socially improving service efforts that generate a common spirit and purpose. If people strive to work together to create a more beautiful living area, they are less likely to look the other way when people deface the results of their efforts.

To specifically combat crime, creating a neighborhood watch organization for all members likewise generates a sense of shared purpose, and it is a way to connect people together when they return from home, work, or school. No matter how different their schedules, or how large the community, the fact that some people are always responsible for keeping an eye out for irregular activity is one way to foster common solutions to commonly shared problems.Although familial instability is not something that can be solved in the short-term, creating a Head Start program within the community, so that parents with small children can bring their children, share their experiences of child-rearing, and gain a desire to make the community safe for the next generation is essential. Raising the educational level of the community in the long-term may foster upward mobility of the residents, and although this can facilitate flight from the area, a higher caliber of students in neighborhood schools can also encourage more upwardly mobile individuals moving into the area.

Works Cited

Social Disorganization and Rural Communities." (2003, Winter). OJJDP Bulletin.

Community Correlates of Rural Youth Violence. Retrieved 8 Oct 2007 at http://www.ncjrs.gov/html/ojjdp/193591/page1.html.....