Question 1

What is collective efficacy theory and how does it contribute to Shaw and McKay's social disorganization theory? Which do you think is a more promising way to explain deviance in the future? Explain.

Accepted Answer

Collective efficacy theory is a concept within sociology that refers to the ability of members of a community to work together to achieve common goals and maintain social control. It emphasizes the importance of social cohesion, trust, and shared expectations for behavior in preventing crime and deviance within a neighborhood or community.

Shaw and McKay's social disorganization theory posits that crime and deviance are the result of a breakdown in the social institutions and structures within a community, leading to a lack of social control and an increase in criminal behavior. Collective efficacy theory contributes to this by suggesting that when communities have high levels of collective efficacy, they are better able to resist the negative effects of social disorganization and maintain social order.

In terms of explaining deviance in the future, both theories have their merits. Social disorganization theory provides a valuable framework for understanding the impact of community-level factors on crime and deviance, while collective efficacy theory offers insight into the importance of social cohesion and collective action in preventing crime.

However, in the future, collective efficacy theory may be a more promising way to explain deviance. This is because it focuses on the proactive measures that communities can take to prevent crime, rather than simply identifying the factors that contribute to social disorganization. By emphasizing the role of collective action and social cohesion, collective efficacy theory provides a more hopeful and actionable approach to addressing deviance in communities. It suggests that by building strong social ties and working together towards common goals, communities can effectively prevent crime and create safer, more cohesive neighborhoods.

Question 2

According to Sampson, the concept of collective efficacy unites both _____ and ______.

Accepted Answer

A) Social cohesion…shared expectation for social control 
B) Collectivity…social change 
C) Social change…social action 
D) Social capital…shared expectation for social movement A

Question 3

According to Sampson, collective efficacy should be treated as an important variable in study community-level deviance because it ______.

Accepted Answer

A) Indicates repeated interactions among residents 
B) Indicates strong bonds among residents 
C) Indicates expectation for future intervention in deviance 
D) All of the above D

Question 4

According to Sampson, if a neighborhood has a higher level of collective efficacy, ______.

Accepted Answer

A) Residents would welcome outside visitors cordially 
B) Residents would expect their neighbors to watch their children when they are absent 
C) Residents would expect their neighbors to take action to stop incidents of deviance and crimes 
D) All of the above

Exam 11: Collective Efficacy Theory: Lessons Learned and Directions for Future Inquiry, Robert Jsampson

What is collective efficacy theory and how does it contribute to Shaw and McKay's social disorganization theory? Which do you think is a more promising way to explain deviance in the future? Explain.

According to Sampson, the concept of collective efficacy unites both _ and __.

According to Sampson, collective efficacy should be treated as an important variable in study community-level deviance because it ______.

According to Sampson, if a neighborhood has a higher level of collective efficacy, ______.