Causes of crime Flashcards
explain, in detail, the factors which cause crime in the UK (biological)
Gender - Statistics show that men commit the vast majority of crimes; this may be due to hormonal reasons (men have more testosterone), or because they have the warrior gene which increases aggression. For example, In England and Wales in 2019, men committed 85-90% of violent offences.
Mental health - People with mental health conditions such as ADHD are more likely to commit crime and be imprisoned, as this condition can make people very impulsive. For example, The rate of ADHD in prisons is approximately 25%. This is much higher than in the general population.
Genetics: Some men with the warrior gene find it hard to control their violent impulses, which can lead them to commit a range of crimes such as assault or murder. For example, Between 2018-2021, 93% of murder and manslaughter convictions were men.
explain, in detail, the factors whihc cause crime in the UK
(economic)
Poverty - People in poverty do not have enough money to pay for essentials, such as heating, food, or baby items, and may turn to crime to raise money. For example, In London in 2020-21, 80% more crimes were recorded in the most deprived areas.
Greed - Wealthy people from affluent backgrounds can be greedy for more money, and commit white-collar crimes such as tax evasion, fraud, and corruption. For example, Care home owner David Barton conned £4m from wealthy residents over 16 years.
Unemployment: Young people are more likely to be NEET (not in education, employment, or training), and may turn to crime for their income. For example, Unemployment: Young people are more likely to be NEET (not in education, employment, or training), and may turn to crime for their income.
explain, in detail, the factors which cause crime in the UK (social)
Peer pressure - Young people may break the law to win approval from their peers; this can lead to joining gangs and committing crimes such as vandalism. For example, Studies over the last decade have found that about 27000 young people in England were involved with gangs.
Subcultures - Members of dangerous subcultures like the Incels share dangerous ideas online about being rejected by women, causing some to take out their frustration through violent crime. For example, In 2021, Incel Jake Davidson killed 5 and injured 2 in a gun rampage in Plymouth, England.
Drug/alcohol abuse - Drug and alcohol use can cause people to lose their inhibitions and commit crimes they wouldn’t do when sober. For example, In Scotland in 2016-17, 42% of violent crime was alcohol-related.
explain, in detail, the factors which cause crime in the UK (groups)
Being in control at work gives MEN opportunities to commit crime - Men are more likely to be in senior positions in the workplace, giving them more opportunities to commit white collar crimes like fraud. In 2015, less than 9% of highly powerful and responsible executive roles were filled by women.
Financial problems can lead WOMEN to soliciting - Women are more likely to struggle financially due to factors such as the gender pay gap, and working in low-paid service roles. For example, In 2015, 88% of those involved in prostitution in the UK were women.
YOUNG PEOPLE are more likely to be involved in gangs - For young unemployed people, gang membership can provide them with status and the ability to make money through crime such as drug dealing. For example, Studies over the last decade have found that about 27000 young people in England were involved with gangs.
