Causes of Crime
By Barrington H. Brennen
November 10, 2011
WORD FORMAT
 Why
would an individual develop a lifestyle of criminal
activities? Why would someone make a deliberate choice to
cause harm to another person or destroy the property of
another? Sociologists, psychologists, anthropologists, and
theologians have asked these questions repeatedly over the
past decades. Some answers exist about what makes the
criminal mind works; but in spite of the information
gleaned, criminal activities continue to rise, not only in
The Bahamas but around the world.
Nineteenth
century writer, Henry Thomas Buckle, who penned the “History of
Civilization in England”, wrote these profound words: "Society
prepares the crime, the criminal commits it." This is true
because it is my view that the environment in which one lives
impacts one’s lifestyle. Although not everyone is influenced
the same way and will become a criminal, yet far too many become
victims of a sick society. On the other hand, God created human
beings with the ability to choose; hence, no one is forced to
become a criminal. It is a choice one makes. So then, what
influences some to become criminals? I will share with you the
views of online writers Talija and Darius, which I believe
correspond with my own observations and beliefs about why some
people become criminals.
THE RISK
FACTORS
-
Little or no love.
Musicians Hal David and Burt
Bacharach wrote this beautiful song in 1965: “What the world
needs now is love sweet love.” It speaks directly to the
central problem in society. Living in a dysfunctional
family or a disadvantaged environment does not cause crime.
According to one author, these factors can cause the lack of
love, respect, and tolerance for others. When there is lack
of love, respect, and tolerance, combined with other
factors, a lifestyle of criminal activities can be created.
-
Poor
judgment. Writers Talija and Darius state: “Lack of
proper education and great role-models cause many to fail to
distinguish right from wrong. In most cases offenders don't
think they are doing something wrong. It seems right from
their point of view. Poor judgment is also reflected in
knowing it's wrong, but thinking they could get away with
it, not getting caught.”
-
Poverty. “Poverty is often blamed for leading to crime,
however underneath is something more vital—society bombards
us with commercial values, making us want more and more
material things, to the point that some would do anything
(including criminal acts) to get them. Unemployment is
another factor in this category that contributes to crime
through looking at ways to earn money by any means
possible.” For decades many agencies and institutions,
including the United Nations have researched the impact of
poverty on crime and have found this statement to be true.
-
Television Violence.
Christian writer, Josh McDowell,
has documented from as early as the 1980s the impact of the
media on social behavior and published his findings in his
book “Why Wait,” The Impact of Television on the Lives of
Individuals. Many individuals and institutions around
the world, including the Surgeon General of the United
States of America, psychologist T. H. A. van der Voort, and
Dr. James Dobson, have published articles about the impact
of television on the mind, especially on the mind of the
very young and the youth.
-
Poor
parenting skills. I have been writing about this point
for almost two decades. In my articles, “Rules without
Relationship Breeds Chaos” (Parts 1 and 2), I share how a
misunderstanding of discipline contributes to so much pain
and violence in so many families. Talija and Darius state
“erratic or harsh discipline, lack of parental control,
supervision and monitoring, parental conflict, family
dysfunction/breakdown, criminal, anti-social and/or
alcoholic parent/s, fatherlessness are underestimated
causes of crime.”
-
Being a victim in a chain of events. “Sometimes
individuals don't mean to cause harm, but are drawn into it
by a chain of events that are beyond their control or
influence.” This is not being stated as an excuse but as a
factor for individuals, especially those who have been
raised in dysfunctional homes and have not developed a
disciplined lifestyle.
-
Deprived neighborhoods. Talija and Darius write:
“Economically impoverished neighborhoods breed criminal
minds.” This seems to be painfully true, although not in
every case because other factors are usually involved that
influence criminal behavior. For example, the reasons
stated earlier in this article.
-
Ecological. “It has long been known by police officers
that cold winter nights keep criminals off the streets and
crime levels down. Crime scientists speculate that one of
the hidden consequences of global warming will be an
increase in street crime during mild winters. Studies have
suggested that warmer temperatures boost aggression hormones
such as epinephrine and testosterone.” Could this be true
in The Bahamas and the Caribbean?
-
Sin.
The Christian readers may appreciate this reason. Often,
there seems to be no reason some people act so violently.
The only answer is that this is an evil world and that evil
doers are being influenced to do wrong by the ‘evil one.”
These risk
factors should cause us to pause and think and can help us find
ways to prevent and reduce criminal activity. Next article will
deal with prevention.
Barrington H. Brennen is a marriage and family therapist Send your comments and
questions to question@soencouragement.org or visit
www.soencouragement.org or call 1242 327 1980
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