causes of crime

• Why is poverty a economic cause of crime?

  Many people in poverty turn to crime as a way to survive because they are left with no other options.

  For example, half of Scotland's prison population comes from the poorest 10% of areas.
• Why is unemployment a economic cause of crime?

  Many people don’t have the qualifications or skills to get a job which means they are unable to get money which leads them to turn to crime.

  For example, historically in areas like Glasgow‘s Maryhill unemployment is higher, and there is also a higher number of gangs
• why is alcohol and drug misuse a social cause of crime?

  Many people in Scotland live life’s full of poverty and depression, leading them to alcohol and drugs and they may do anything to get them, including crime.

  For example, the Scottish government found just under 50% of violent crimes in Scotland (2021/2022) were committed under the influence
• Why is genetics a biological cause of crime?

  It may be in some people’s nature as to why they commit crimes because of their genes.

  For example, BBC found that people with the warrior gene were 13x more likely to commit crime.
• Why is brain type a biological cause of crime?

  Studies show that murderers have a different brain type when compared to non-criminals.

  For example, Aaron Campbell murdered 6 year old Alesha MacPhill and was labelled a psychopath by experts.
• Why is peer pressure a social cause of crime?

  Many young people join gangs in order to fit in with their friends as they fear being left out.

  For example, 3500 young people have joined one of the 170 gangs in Scotland.