What is a characteristic of social disorganization?

Social disorganization is a concept within criminological theory that highlights the breakdown of social structures and community ties, which can lead to a higher incidence of crime. One of the key characteristics of social disorganization is the presence of "broken homes." This term typically refers to family structures that are disrupted, often due to factors such as divorce, separation, or the absence of one parent, which can create an unstable environment for children and adolescents.

In communities marked by broken homes, there tends to be a lower level of parental supervision and support, which can significantly impact youth behavior and increase the likelihood of involvement in delinquency and crime. The overall instability often prevents the formation of strong neighborhood ties and mutual support networks, further contributing to social disorganization.

Other choices reflect conditions that do not align with the concept. For instance, access to recreational facilities and high levels of community engagement usually foster cohesion and collective efficacy within a community, while low unemployment rates can contribute to social stability and well-being. These factors are antithetical to the notion of social disorganization, making broken homes the most accurate characteristic associated with this concept.