What is a likely reason poor kids commit crimes according to social disorganization theory?

Social disorganization theory emphasizes the impact of neighborhood conditions and social structures on the behavior of individuals, particularly in urban areas where there is a breakdown of social institutions. According to this theory, poor kids may commit crimes primarily because they are unable to achieve success through legitimate means due to the lack of resources and opportunities in their environment.

In disorganized neighborhoods, factors such as high unemployment, inadequate schooling, and limited access to community support can diminish the possibilities for success that are typically attainable through conventional pathways like education and stable employment. As a result, these youth may resort to criminal activities as alternative means to achieve success or gain material possessions, thereby reflecting a reaction to their marginalized social circumstances.

This aligns closely with the core tenets of social disorganization theory, which argues that the inability to achieve societal goals through legal avenues contributes to delinquency in disadvantaged communities. Hence, viewing crime as a response to structural barriers rather than inherent traits helps to contextualize the reasons behind juvenile delinquency in impoverished areas.