social disorganization

American  

noun

Sociology.

1. disruption or breakdown of the structure of social relations and values resulting in the loss of social controls over individual and group behavior, the development of social isolation and conflict, and a sense of estrangement or alienation from the mainstream of one's culture; the condition or state of anomie.

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Example Sentences

In the context of crime and social disorganization, the U.S. currently has much less violent crime per capita than it did during the 1990s and 1980s.

From Salon • Aug. 19, 2025

The consequence of extreme economic inequities is “socially structured hardship that result in feelings of ‘resentment, frustration, hopelessness, and alienation’ which ... leads to widespread social disorganization and violent crime,” the researchers noted.

From Washington Post • Jun. 14, 2022

“I never conceived,” Merrill reported bluntly, “of such a state of social disorganization being possible in any civilized community.”

From Slate • Mar. 4, 2016

Social interaction between high- and low-income residents could lead to job networking, and cut down on what sociologists call social disorganization.

From Salon • Sep. 1, 2012

The last remained on dry land, doubtless imagining that his years, and his long services in the cause of lawlessness and social disorganization, entitled him to this small advantage.

From The Chainbearer Or, The Littlepage Manuscripts by Cooper, James Fenimore