causes of crime

• What are the three main causes of crime

  • Social
  • Economic
  • Biological
• What are three biological cause of crime

  • Hormones (testosterone)
  • Mental Disorder (psychopathy)
  • Warrior gene
• What are three economic causes of crime

  • Poverty
  • Unemployment
  • Addiction (drugs and alcohol)
• what are three social causes of crime

  • geography
  • peer pressure
  • poor role models
• One social cause of crime is geography

  • This means that some areas have a higher crime rate than others. These are known as crime hot spots. These areas tend to be less well off areas that suffer from many social problems like high unemployment and high rates of drug and alcohol abuse
  • For example, Possil park is an example of a crime hot spot in Glasgow
• Another social cause of crime is peer pressure

  • This is when someone is being pressured by a person all small group. They may feel like they need to do what they are wanting so they can be accepted
  • For example, many teenagers may feel peer pressured into underage drinking
• Another social cause of crime is poor role models

  • Young people who grew up in homes where there is abuse,, violence, criminal parents or addictions have a higher chance of getting involved in crime
  • For example, people with poor role models may turn to a life of crime. This could cause for the vicious cycle to continue
• One biological cause of crime is hormones

  • Males have high testosterone levels which historically makes them more aggressive and therefore more likely to commit crimes
  • For example, in 2022, 95% of prisoners were male and only 5% female
• Another biological cause of crime is mental disorder such as psychopathy

  • psychopaths may seem like normal members of society but they often lack empathy and feel little remorse. People with this condition are more likely to commit crimes
  • For example, Aaron Campbell, who killed 6 year old Alesha MacPhail has been labelled a psychopath by professionals who have warned that he should never be let out of jail
• Another economic cause of crime is addictions like drugs and alcohol

  • Alcohol and drugs can impair judgement on encourage people to make decisions they wouldn't usually. Many crimes like assault, violence, petty crimes and breach of the peace are frequently fuelled by alcohol and drugs
  • For example, two in five (40%) of criminals reported being drunk at the time of their offence
• One economic cause of crime is poverty

  • Poorer families may not be able to afford activities and material items. This can cause them to commit crime to meet their basic needs
  • For example, in the UK, 1 in 5 people are living in poverty
• Another economic cause of crime is unemployment

  • Unemployment may mean that people are struggling financially and they turn to crime to fund their lifestyle
  • For example, in a study conducted in the UK, it was found that for every 1% increase in unemployment, there was a corresponding 2% increase in poverty crime
• Another biological cause of crime is the 'warrior gene'

  • MAOA, also known as the 'warrior gene' is an enzyme that is passed down from parents which has been linked to psychiatric disorders and antisocial behaviour
  • For example, according to the BBC, a person with the 'warrior gene' is 13 times more likely to have a past with recurring violent behaviour