Technology
Urbanization and the Decline of Informal Social Control
Quick fact
In the early 20th century, sociologist Louis Wirth observed that as cities grew, residents became more anonymous and less likely to intervene in others' behavior, directly weakening informal social control. This trend is reflected in higher crime rates in large cities compared to rural towns, even after controlling for poverty and education.
Why this is interesting
You've probably noticed that you don't know your neighbors in a big city—but in a small town, everyone seems to know everyone. Why does that difference change how people behave?