Ecological Models of Crime

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. 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, provided if he or she works hard enough. Merton noted the tremendous racial and class differences that acted as a barrier to social mobility, despite the fact that "goals…are emphasized for everyone in the culture, and people are criticized as being quitters if they scale back their goals" and people are urged to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps (Robert Merton: Anomie Theory, 2014). There is also a great deal of moral ambiguity: an investment banker who is rapacious is praised, while someone who is a blue collar thief is not. This discrepancy between reality and ideals creates strain and dissatisfaction amongst the 'have-nots' of American society.