The Chicago School

   The Chicago School is a way in which sociologists found a new way to view the perspective of how humans interact and behave. People are different bilogically, but what makes us humans really tick is what interested sociologists in the early 20^th century. Many studies of the time suggested that delinquent behavior is in the foundation of the human body. The Chicago School assisted in studying why some people develop delinquent behavior and others tend to not. Delinquent behaviors include, but are not limited to, murder, theft, gang violence, distribution of drugs, etc. Scientists specifically looked into Chicago, the crime capital of the nation. Not only did Chicago have the majority of the crime in the early 20th century, but it also housed a majority of the immigrant from all over the world. Immigrants were the main people being studied.
      While researching, they found that the second zone "zone of transition" happens to have the most crime and house more people in poverty. This caused scientists to look further into why and what types of people live in this zone. The "zone of transition" houses many immigrants. All of whom are discriminated against. Discrimination causes many issues both intellectually and physically for people in developing countries, much like America during the time of study. The first generation immigrants were the group of people most frowned upon, and the generation that lived in the most poverty. The second and third generation immigrants found a way to fit into the society a little better than their parents and grandparents. The immigrants found it difficult to get help from others, due to pride. It was embarrassing to ask for money or assistance, so they found ways to better themselves. Thievery and gangs then developed in Chicago causing the crime rate to increase drastically. The immigrants wanted support throughout the difficult times, and sought friendships with other people living in poverty. This brings about the beginning of gangs. Gangs are essential to how the criminals began to receive their wealth and power. It only takes the support from a few to create a sense of power.
     The author of the chapter focuses mostly on immigration. Although the Chicago School brought about the concentric zones, Blummer chose to put certain immigrants into certain zones. He placed white American on the outer zones, the safer zones, and the Italians and African Americans closer to the inner zones. This causes the reader to question whether not he is discriminating against immigrants. One can speculate that he chooses not to mention white Americans, even though they were committing crimes as well.
     It would be interesting if the author went into detail the level of crimes being committed in each zone. He or she does not mention what level of crime is being committed in each zone. As a reader, I feel as if the types of crimes being committed in each zone is just as essential as the amount of crimes. Although the first zone may have the most theft, the last zone may have more murders. The lack of details in the chapter leaves holes with the readers.
   The Chicago School is important in understanding crime and how different levels of income cause for a drastic change in crime levels. Immigration was also hugely researched, and they allowed fro a deeper understanding of other's culture.