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The background
The background
Sociologists explore all the factors that contribute to and impact an individual's potential to commit crime.
Sociologist's analyse the risks factors which are more likely to lead to someone to commit crime.
When consdiering the reasons/risks of someone committing a crime we need to use the sociological imagination to remove any bias which may exist.
Risk/Factor 1: Education
Risk/Factor 1: Education
Adequate schooling provides individuals with education, skills and opportunities, and this in turn can impact on the likelihood of a person engaging in ciminal behaviour.
Access to quality education can enhance social and cognitive development, promote positive values, teach problem-solving skills and offer alternatives to illegal activities.
Education also can increase employment prospects, improve socio-economic conditions, and foster a sense of belonging and connection to the community, all of which contribute to a decreased likelihood of involvment in criminal behaviour.
Risk/Factor 2: Lack of employment opportunities and appropriate housing
Risk/Factor 2: Lack of employment opportunities and appropriate housing
Through reduced employment and housing options individuals are more likely to engage in illegal activities.
Through reduced employment opportunities individuals may experience financial strain and limited opportunities to meet their basic needs. This can lead to desperation, frustration and a higher susceptability to turn to criminal activities as a means of survival.
Unstable living conditions can further make the likelihood of crime increase as these conditions can foster an enviroment where individuals are more likely to undertake criminal actions.
Risk/Factor 3: Mental Health Issues
Risk/Factor 3: Mental Health Issues
Mental health and mental health issues can have a complex impact on the likelihood of crime occuring. When someone has untreated or poorly managed mental health issues, it can increase the chance of an individual engaging in criminal behaviour.
Inadequate support for these individuals can increase feelings of loneliness and frustration, which may push someone toward substance abuse or risky actions.
Stigma surrounding these mental health issues can further limit opportunities for people experiencing the mental health issues thus leading them to turn to criminal activity.
Risk/Factor 4: Increasing avaliability and use of alcohol and drugs
Risk/Factor 4: Increasing avaliability and use of alcohol and drugs
When people abuse substances, it can affect their ability to make good decisions and control their behaviour. This can lead to actions such as driving under the influence and getting into fights.
Substance abuse can further be connected to illegal activities such as drug trafficking, which can involve violence and other crimes. Furthermore, drug and alcohol abuse can cause financial problems and can strain relationships, making it more likely for someone to turn to criminal activities.
Things to do:
Things to do:
Copy the table from page 189
Questions to complete
Questions to complete
Identify and explain 2 of the factors which led to the creation of the Bourke Street Murderer. (4 Marks)
Making reference to materials studied in class, explain the factors which lead people to commit crime.
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