A Critical Study on the Influences of Socioeconomic Status on Crime Rates and Criminal Behaviour

This research delves into how economic status impacts an individual's behavior. In this case, it focuses on how economic inequalities shape criminal propensity. Socioeconomic status can be referred to as the standard of life in which an individual experiences based on factors like income, education, occupation, and available resources. Altogether, these comprise the economic situation faced by individuals. The research aims to illustrate how status differences lead to variability among communities and population groups with respect to the crime rates encountered. A mixed method approach will be utilized in this study, where crime data analysis will be supported with insights from interviews and case studies. One of the facets of scrutiny that will be given at the forefront is how poverty, income inequality, and joblessness contribute to the type of crimes committed in such communities. It further analyzes how low SES increases stress levels, limits access to avenues of success, and has people exposed to more environments to criminal activities thereby increasing the possibility of illegal behavior. Other theories are also considered that provide an explanation of the behavior. These theories are as follows: Strain Theory- This theory proposes that people commit crimes when they are prevented or unable to achieve social goals. Social Disorganization Theory- This theory proposes that rates increase when there is a structural change within society, especially within poor neighborhoods. The study will search to understand and will execute the policy from action by going to address the socio-factors that cause crimes. The aim is to address the root cause, for action aimed at supporting crime prevention strategies and projects advocating social justice.