Criminal Justice Practice Exam

What concept describes enhanced control exerted by community members over children to prevent delinquency?

1. Social Cohesion

2. Collective Efficacy

3. Social Disorganization

4. Community Policing

The correct answer is: Collective Efficacy

The concept that best describes the enhanced control exerted by community members over children to prevent delinquency is collective efficacy. Collective efficacy refers to the willingness of community members to come together, work collaboratively, and take an active role in supervising and supporting one another, particularly in the context of youth behavior. This collective effort fosters a sense of social cohesion, where individuals are confident in their neighbors' ability to maintain social order and address concerns about delinquency, thereby creating an environment where children are less likely to engage in delinquent behaviors. In contrast, social cohesion emphasizes the bonds that unite a community, but it does not inherently address the active engagement and control of community members over youth. Social disorganization, on the other hand, refers to a breakdown in social structures and community ties, which can lead to higher rates of crime and delinquency, contradicting the intended protective focus of collective efficacy. Community policing involves police initiatives aimed at engaging with the community to reduce crime, but it does not specifically describe the community’s own efforts in controlling and guiding youth behaviors. Thus, the essence of collective efficacy lies in the proactive, protective measures taken by community members to foster a safe environment for children, reducing their likelihood of engaging in delinquent acts.