Crime + the Law: Economic Causes of Crime

Question 1

greed

Answer 1

• someone has the very selfish desire to get more and more of something and this is often money, it may be out of jealousy or to live a life that they cannot afford
• for example, the former SNP MP Natalie McGarry was jailed for embezzling more than £25,000, including donations intended for a foodbank

Question 2

poverty

Answer 2

• society attaches a lot of importance to material things such as having the right phone, the right house, clothes and lifestyle, for those who cannot afford these things as well as the basics to survive in life they may turn to crimes to provide what they can’t afford
• for example, around 25% of all crimes of dishonesty are when people steal items such as food and clothing

Question 3

unemployment

Answer 3

• if someone doesn’t have the skills they need to get a job this might mean that they have fewer options to make a living legally
• for example, in Glasgow’s Maryhill where unemployment is higher there is also a higher number of gangs