Many people would disagree that there is no correlation between poverty and crime by using statistics in other countries that demonstrate a very high level of poverty but a very low level of crime. However, one must consider that in other countries the gap between the rich and poor is substantial. The affluent have extensive guarding mechanisms and protection. The poor live in concentrated areas surrounded by slums that offer little or nothing for their needs. The risk of committing a crime, like petty thief, does not outweigh the consequences. If caught they my risk horrors within their justices system for example in Saudi Arabia a common method to punish a thief is with hand amputation. In other countries people may risk hard slave like labor, overcrowded and insanitary conditions that becomes a hotbed for diseases, and mistreatment. Another reason is an alarmingly high percentage of crimes that are committed are not reported. This is because of the mistrust of the government.
With all this said, there is a definite correlation between poverty and crime in the United States. “Sociologist and criminal justice scholars have found a direct correlation between poverty and crime.” Over 53% of our jail population is made up of inmates that had earned less than 10,000 dollars a year. Usually these people living below the poverty line commit crimes such as burglary, larceny, and theft because the outcome weights more than the consequences. If the criminals do go to jail then they are met with a nice beds and food everyday.
Other studies in America have proved that the more concentrated the poverty is the more likely more crimes would be committed. Low income housing projects creates a breeding ground for criminals. It is where gangs are created and ideas and values of hatred against governmental systems formulate and are intensified. A solution for crime and poverty is gentrification. People place churches, community, centers, hospitals, and schools in projects to promote a more positive attitude towards society, and are more aware of opportunities.
I AGREE WITH YOU I HAVE BEEN LEARNING MORE ABOUT CRIME AND POVERTY IN SCHOOL.
As I have stated in my blog on poverty, education and crime also have a direct correlation, specifically in the United States. I find that it is a multitude of both poverty and lack of education that leads people into crime as their last resort.
Interesting blog!
I must agree with you too on the matter that poverty breeds crime, and uneducated people. However, many people believe by improving and providing education to the penury would help someone out of poverty, but i believe the best way to do this is by getting rid of poverty itself, thus it would limit crime and increase education levels.
It is not low education that causes poverty, but poverty that causes low education.