Brothers &amp Essay Example

is significantly affected by the constant instability in society more than the higher class (Cohen; Felson, 1976), which leads to a greater inclination towards criminal behavior among those who are less privileged.

Contributing to the theory of social disorganization and its equivalents were Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay, among other sociologists from the Chicago School. Commonly referred to as human ecology, this theory draws on biological theories and posits a connection between human populations and their physical surroundings. The theory suggests that crime is associated with the breakdown of social communities. Research conducted by Shaw and McKay demonstrated that regions characterized by high levels of poverty and unemployment, dilapidated buildings, and overcrowded residences tended to experience prevalent crime and delinquency (Berger et al.).

According to the social disorganization theory, Parks and Burgess added their own insights under the concentric zone theory (Parks & Burgess, 2001). They conceptualized cities with a circular shape consisting of five zones: central business district (CBD), transition, workingman, residential, and commuter. As people increase their income, they tend to move outward from the main city in a fluid manner.

Our study focuses on the CBD area, which is characterized by poverty, high unemployment, and a large population of new immigrants lacking access to social services. According to Cohen and Felson (1976), this business district has the highest concentration of poverty and crime. While the social ecology school of thought explains crime as a result of transitioning from traditional to industrial life, it also serves to explain the lives of brothers John Edgar and Robby Wideman, who grew up in a similar area to that described in Parks and Burgess' concentric zone theory - an

impoverished community with high rates of crime and unemployment.

According to John's book, Robby's decision to lead a life of crime was not surprising as there were limited alternatives. The prevalent street gangs in his locality served as his influences. John's ability to steer clear from a life of crime may have been attributed to his relocation. Moving to university and subsequently Laramie, Wyoming exposed John to a favorable social milieu with lower unemployment and crime rates. Prevention/intervention programs have emerged from the social disorganization theory, with the Chicago Area Project (CAP) being the most significant.

According to CAP philosophy, preventing delinquency and crime required the participation of the collective community. To achieve this, community organizers worked with local residents to increase their control over youths and facilitate problem-solving activities among community groups (Berger et al., 2001: 118). The board of directors raised and distributed funds for local programs, while all decisions were officially made by local residents; however, CAP organizers provided advice. The primary objective of organizers was to encourage resident involvement in delinquency prevention through collaboration among various community organizations, such as churches, schools, and the justice system.

When feasible, CAP intervened in school-related issues to enhance the students' experience with the aim of preventing them from becoming delinquents. Some of these interventions include modifying the curriculum, placing students in appropriate programs, and aiding their reintegration into the school system after expulsion. The program played a crucial role in the justice system by assisting parolees in returning to the community and redirecting youths to appropriate community agencies. The CAP program introduced several activities that other prevention programs later implemented, which encouraged community involvement and offered

youths alternatives to criminal and delinquent activities. Examples of such activities include recreation and camping programs, youth clubs, and hobby or discussion groups (Berger, 2001). These activities are now widely used, even in areas with low crime risk.The CAP program, which used detached street workers called CAP organizers to engage with troubled youths and involve influential gang leaders in the program, has faced criticism for its difficulty in getting entire communities to agree on appropriate activities. Had this program been available in Robby's area, it may have prevented him from turning to a life of crime; according to his mother, he was always searching for parties upon waking up. If community-organized festivities had been an option, Robby may have avoided criminal activity. The social disorganization theory fails to account for several critical factors that explain the disparate life outcomes of the brothers.

The theory that often blames communities for crime, regardless of their control over it, can be viewed as overly individualistic. It does not account for the fact that two brothers raised in the same community can have vastly different outcomes, with one becoming a criminal and the other not. Therefore, it fails to satisfactorily explain why John Edgar avoided a life of crime despite growing up in a similar environment as Robby until Robby left. Additionally, this theory places too much emphasis on poverty's presumed influence.

Ironically, the communities' social environment is not a result of their actions but they are seen as capable of changing it. The Wideman brothers' differing lives can be explained by several theories. For example, the labeling theory suggests that individuals labeled as criminals, often become ones due to a

self-fulfilling prophesy. Considering that Robby is a Black man in the urban streets of America, law enforcement officials perceive him as a criminal. Consequently, he may end up becoming one as he is denied the same opportunities that white people receive. The story of the two brothers can also shed light on the social learning theory.

Robby was inspired by the crime-infested urban streets, while John tried to conceal his ethnic identity and conform to societal expectations of behaving 'white.' This helped John escape his neighborhood and gain acceptance in mainstream society.

Finding a comprehensive theory to explain the contrasting lives of the Wideman brothers is challenging. Several factors, including personal viewpoints and societal impacts, must be taken into account. While each person has their unique journey, their decisions are significantly influenced by the society and surroundings they reside in.