What term describes the feeling of normlessness that can lead to increased crime?

The term that describes the feeling of normlessness, which can lead to increased crime, is anomie. Anomie refers to a social condition where individuals feel disconnected from the collective values and norms of society. This phenomenon often occurs during periods of significant social upheaval or rapid change, such as economic crisis, where established norms may weaken or become unclear. When individuals experience anomie, they may feel alienated and may resort to criminal behavior as a way to cope with or react against their lack of direction or stable societal guidelines. Understanding anomie is crucial in criminology, as it helps explain why certain environments may foster higher crime rates due to diminished social cohesion and shared values.