Social Issues in the United KingdomCrimeCycle 2 – Causes of Crime

CONNECT

What is happening here?

Learning Intentions:Be able to explain the causes of

crimeBe able to explain the differences

between economic and social causes

Become familiar with the exam structure for KU answers

Practice the skill of summarising

‘People commit crimes for diff erent reasons.’ Explain why people commit

crimes.

Social exclusion and poverty often lead to youth crime. Explain, in detail, why

social exclusion and poverty of ten lead to youth crime.

HOW IS SOCIAL EXCLUSION DIFFERENT FROM POVERTY?

causes of crime

Peer pressure

Lack of employment/money

Poor upbringing

Lack of parental controlNeed for statusFeelings of alienation

from society.

Lack of success in education

Alcohol and drugs

Lack of family responsibilities

Prioritise the causes of crime, put what you think is the most significant at the top.

Economic Reasons

We live in a materialistic society. Status is measured by what people own and to appear ‘normal’ people need certain possessions. People who are unemployed or on a low income often lack the money to get these goods legally. Even when people have what seems like enough income they can still be jealous or envious of what other people have, leading them to commit crime.

Some people are professional criminals who make their living from organised crime. The drug trade – importing, manufacturing and selling drugs and the associated gang crime is almost an alternative economy in some areas.

Economic

Reasons

Materialistic society

To feel normal people need possessions

Social ReasonsLearned Behaviour – family break-ups, absent fathers, poor role models and fewer poor ‘respectable’ communities lead to people having a different idea of what is acceptable or ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ and crime becomes more acceptable. For young people boredom or peer pressure and a rejection of ‘adult’ values can lead to crime for thrills where it is seen as tough and exciting e.g. joyriding.

Environment – rural areas and suburbs have fewer social problems than inner city areas and estates. Deprivation, social exclusion and lack of facilities in poor areas has led to alienation where some people, particularly the young, feel cut off from society. Drug and alcohol abuse is much higher in these areas which leads to crime while people are under the influence or to pay for the habit.

Use the same technique to summarise your social reasons…

Government figures show that the 5% most disadvantaged are 100

times more likely to have multiple problems than the most

advantaged 50%, including conduct disorders, police contact, cannabis use, mood disorders and

alcohol abuse.

‘People commit crimes for different reasons.’ Explain why people commit crimes. 4

Point

Explain

Example

One reason why people commit crimes is economic.

Status is measured by what people own and to appear ‘normal’ people need certain possessions. People who are unemployed or on a low income often lack the money to get these goods legally. Even when people have what seems like enough income they can still be jealous or envious of what other people have.

This may lead them to commit crimes such as theft.

London RiotsWhen?What happened?Impact?

Please take notes on the lesson by creating questions

When you finish the questions, swap with a friend and answer their

questions

Question Notes