Criminology: Correlation between Poverty and Crime

Check out more papers on Crime Criminal Justice Criminology

The correlation between poverty and crime is something that appears to be obvious, though seldom clearly proven by the use of statistics. Organizations dealing with crime repeatedly emphasize the importance of job creation projects, measures in relation to unemployment, improvement of housing, which all is seen as a contributory factor to the growth of crime. Economic growth is considered as a prerequisite for improving the quality of life; not just any kind of growth, though. Politicians and social policy makers should support that economic growth which will contribute to the improvement of human development, reduction of poverty and inequality among people, (Petrovec, 2000).

Problems of the poor that may lead to crime include unemployment, income inequality, and quality of job; for corporate management, the pursuit of profit is responsible for crimes against consumers, employees, and environmental safety, (Danner, 1993). The majority of people view that anger, violence and crime are the direct outcome of the poverty caused by long-term unemployment. The solution to this, it was argued, was for the government to deal directly with unemployment somehow or provide more social welfare support. Several people took an approach that was overtly influenced by a left-wing political orientation in arguing that the sources of crime are structural and related to social inequalities. As a result, they argued, governments must focus more attention on providing support for dispossessed and alienated groups, (Lupton, 1999).

The potential of community development to contribute to crime prevention, particularly 'community' or 'street' crime and violence. These developments can help prevent crime and violence that is associated with dis-empowerment, poverty, inequality, exclusion, the learning of violence within families and communities, and lack of opportunity for children and young people to develop their potential. Implementing strategies most frequently associated with community development processes are citizen participation, networking, activism, lobbying and advocacy, community organization, local service development, social planning, popular education and consciousness raising, (Lane & Henry, 2004).

When there is someone who is living in a poverty area, they are limited to many opportunities that others may receive that are not experiencing poverty. Therefore, many out of desperation, necessity, or other means will resort to being involved in criminal matters to achieve their means. For instance, if a child needs clothes for school, a mother or any decent parent will do what they have to, in order to make sure their child is clothed for school. Unfortunately, many good people are faced with difficult decisions and spite their best efforts end up committing crimes out of need.

Even though many people work numerous jobs to survive and provide for their families, many still fall short of this achievement. There does not seem to be many places of employment to combat this issue, to which other jobs, simple do not pay enough. Therefore, community development and programs to aid in these matters can help provide additional assistance, which can prevent crime. Likewise, educational or technical programs can prepare juveniles for future endeavors as they grow and develop.

Did you like this example?

Cite this page

Criminology: Correlation Between Poverty And Crime. (2021, Apr 09). Retrieved October 9, 2024 , from
https://studydriver.com/criminology-correlation-between-poverty-and-crime/

Save time with Studydriver!

Get in touch with our top writers for a non-plagiarized essays written to satisfy your needs

Get custom essay

Stuck on ideas? Struggling with a concept?

A professional writer will make a clear, mistake-free paper for you!

Get help with your assignment
Leave your email and we will send a sample to you.
Stop wasting your time searching for samples!
You can find a skilled professional who can write any paper for you.
Get unique paper

Hi!
I'm Amy :)

I can help you save hours on your homework. Let's start by finding a writer.

Find Writer