According to Shaw and McKay, how do rates of delinquency change with distance from the central business district?

Shaw and McKay's theory of social disorganization highlights the relationship between urban environments and delinquency. According to their findings, delinquency rates tend to decrease as one moves further from the central business district (CBD) of a city. This observation is rooted in the idea that areas closer to the CBD are often characterized by higher population density, social instability, and a transient population, all of which contribute to increased rates of crime and delinquency.

In contrast, areas that are farther away from the CBD tend to have more residential stability, community ties, and socio-economic resources, which can lead to lower rates of delinquency. This pattern illustrates the impact of social organization on crime rates, suggesting that neighborhoods with strong social structures can deter delinquent behavior. Thus, the identified correlation between distance from the CBD and delinquency rates supports Shaw and McKay's assertion that social and environmental factors significantly influence criminal behavior.