Shaw and McKay were sociologists known for their work in the early 20th century, particularly in the field of urban sociology. They are best known for their research on social disorganization theory, which explains how crime rates are influenced by the social structure of neighborhoods. Their studies focused on the relationship between community characteristics and delinquency, emphasizing the impact of poverty, residential instability, and ethnic diversity. Their most notable work, "Juvenile Delinquency and Urban Areas," published in 1942, highlighted how certain neighborhoods, especially those with high levels of social disorganization, experienced higher rates of crime. Shaw and McKay's findings laid the groundwork for future research in criminology and urban studies, influencing policies aimed at community development and crime prevention.