Crime Rate Case Study

1.WHAT MUST BE DONE TO CHANGE THE LIVING CONDITIONS IN INNER-CITY AND LOW-INCOME NEIGHBORHOODS THAT HELP GENERATE CRIME?

Several strategies that can change living conditions and reduce crime rates are education, employment, and decreased inequality. “Changes in the structure of inequality would result in changes in crime rates” (pg.284 Social Inequality). The more opportunity is granted the less likely and individual is prone to committing crimes. Additionally, the government must implement changes to the current income guidelines which denies and reduces resources for many individuals living in poverty. Supplying low-income families with adequate means to generate and sustain access to opportunities such as safe and affordable housing, employment, and high-quality education can allow low-income families to change their social and financial class which can reduce the level of need decrease the amount of crime which often occurs to lack of resources. “Levels of criminal activity are responsive to changes in the distribution of income…a one percent reduction in inequality was shown to reduce crime to a larger extent than one percent increase in deterrence’’ (pp. 126- 127) (pg. 284 Social Inequality).

2. HISTORICALLY, WHY

Issues such as immigration, gender inequality, poverty, crime, and healthcare influence how many individuals view their roles within society. There are many conflicts that arise over differences which often creates a level of mistrust. Racial tensions and biases often generate fear which suggests certain groups are thought to be a threat to one’s own beliefs and way of life. These types of attitudes and perspectives can comprise the level of attention and care that is given to certain issues within certain population regardless of income level. Which can ultimately impact the quantity and quality of resources that are made available to