Sampson and Groves (1989) test Shaw and McKay's social-disorganization theory by analyzing data from 238 British localities. The theory posits that low economic status, ethnic heterogeneity, residential mobility, and family disruption lead to community social disorganization, which increases crime and delinquency. They measure social disorganization through local friendship networks, control of teenage peer groups, and organizational participation. Using data from the British Crime Survey, they find that variations in social disorganization significantly affect crime and delinquency rates. The study supports the theory by showing that community-level factors like SES, residential stability, and ethnic heterogeneity influence crime rates through social disorganization mechanisms. The results indicate that communities with higher levels of social disorganization experience higher rates of crime and delinquency. The study also highlights the importance of informal social control and community organization in reducing crime. The findings confirm the role of social disorganization in explaining variations in crime rates across communities. The study addresses limitations in previous research by using self-reported data to measure crime and delinquency, providing a more accurate picture of community-level effects. The results support the theory that social disorganization is a key factor in explaining crime and delinquency rates.Sampson and Groves (1989) test Shaw and McKay's social-disorganization theory by analyzing data from 238 British localities. The theory posits that low economic status, ethnic heterogeneity, residential mobility, and family disruption lead to community social disorganization, which increases crime and delinquency. They measure social disorganization through local friendship networks, control of teenage peer groups, and organizational participation. Using data from the British Crime Survey, they find that variations in social disorganization significantly affect crime and delinquency rates. The study supports the theory by showing that community-level factors like SES, residential stability, and ethnic heterogeneity influence crime rates through social disorganization mechanisms. The results indicate that communities with higher levels of social disorganization experience higher rates of crime and delinquency. The study also highlights the importance of informal social control and community organization in reducing crime. The findings confirm the role of social disorganization in explaining variations in crime rates across communities. The study addresses limitations in previous research by using self-reported data to measure crime and delinquency, providing a more accurate picture of community-level effects. The results support the theory that social disorganization is a key factor in explaining crime and delinquency rates.