By far, the most common theme running through all of the comments were built on a criminological theory called Social Control. This theory, as postulated by Gottfredson and Hirschi in the 1960s, places the responsibility for socially acceptable behavior on parents, teachers, and other authoritative figures. According to Social Control theory, adherence to social norms begins in infancy and childhood and is reinforced through socialization. Here are some Social Control theory examples from the public forum:

• A self-described former troublemaker said the children in the community suffered from poor morals and had no respect for authority.
• A single mother said parents should be able to physically discipline their children again (without getting accused of child endangerment) while another audience member talked at length about parents needing to have better control over their children.
• A local coach said that children needed to learn to obey and respect their parents.
• A pastor said that the churches should be leaders in the community and that this leadership could solve many issues associated with crime in the African-American community.
• A policewoman said that youth needed to attend church more often and rely on God to solve their problems.

These Social Control arguments pointed to a belief that morals, values, and discipline taught early in life by parents, teachers, and religious leaders would lead to citizens who essentially adopted non-criminal behaviors.

The second most popular response at the forum carried a definite Chicago School/Ecological Theory undertone. One of the first U.S. departments of sociology emerged at the University of Chicago, and this group of researchers (Burgess, Park, Shaw, and McKay, most notably) theorized that it was the “type of place” that mattered in reproducing crime. Disorganized neighborhoods, neighbors who did not know one another, and decrepit buildings were just a few of the factors leading to increased crime. Here are some examples of statements that reflected a Chicago School type of response:

• A government official on the panel said that more community members needed to become homeowners and business owners.
• A landlord said that neighbors needed to get to know one another and watch out for each other.
• The leader of a local non-profit said that the community should work together to get rid of slumlords, should organize block parties, and beautify yards.

These statements reflect a belief that the problem of crime is best addressed by organized neighborhoods- meaning communities where people know one another, keep their properties pleasant-looking, and spend time together.

The third most common response I heard at this public forum illustrated Strain Theory. Based on Durkheim’s work, Strain Theory was popularized by Robert Merton. According to Merton, American society is structured in a way that leads some groups to experience frustration and strain when they try to obtain valued goals. Those that can’t achieve financial success through legitimate means (education, inheritances, or/and working at a white-collar job, for example) may commit crimes to try and gain financial success.

• The uncle of a young man killed by police a few years ago said that hunger drove many people in the community to commit crimes like burglary or stealing.
• An older audience member said that too many vocational schools had been closed in favor of funding universities and colleges. The implications were that learning a skilled trade would lead to less crime among the population.
• A former felon noted that those with a criminal record could not easily get a job, and that this led to further criminal activity.
• A father said that he knew someone whose family members depended upon him for survival, yet no jobs were available for his skill set. Illegal activity was the only way that this family was able to eat and pay bills.