According to Shaw and McKay, one of the factors that is common to neighborhoods with the highest rates of crime in a city is ___________.

Shaw and McKay's ecological theory of crime emphasizes the role of the environment in influencing criminal behavior, particularly focusing on the characteristics of neighborhoods. Neighborhood decay, which includes visible signs of deterioration such as abandoned buildings, litter, and lack of maintenance, signals a breakdown in community social order. This decay can lead to social disorganization, making it difficult for residents to establish and maintain social controls, fostering an environment where crime can thrive.

In neighborhoods experiencing significant decay, community engagement tends to be low, leading to decreased collective efficacy, which is the ability of residents to maintain order and regulate behavior. As a result, these areas often report higher crime rates, as the structural stability that typically helps control criminal behavior is weakened. Shaw and McKay highlighted these characteristics, linking the concept of disorganization directly to crime rates, which underscores the significance of neighborhood decay in high-crime areas.

While other factors like economic inequality or high population density can contribute to crime, neighborhood decay as described by Shaw and McKay is specifically tied to the social disorganization theory, making it a central element in their analysis of crime patterns in urban environments.