Impact Of Crime On Society Flashcards
Introduction
Many types of crime impact individuals in numerous different ways - yet crime also has a considerable impact on the surrounding community. Crime has a significant impact on communities in many different aspects, for example, politically, economically and socially. While some may argue that the main impact of crime is political or economic, this essay will reason that the social impact of crime on communities is most significant, through the analysis of various factors such as the depopulation of communities, depressed house prices and the physical damage incurred to communities has a specific impact on communities where crim is prevalent.
Social impact (KNOWLEDGE 1)
It can be argued that the social impact of crime on communities is the most prominent, this can be seen by it giving an area a bad reputation. This can be seen where high levels of crime in an area can cause it to be seen as unsafe. This may dissuade families and the elderly from moving there, as they may not feel as though they can live and feel completely secure. This also can make residents who are not involved in crime ashamed of living in the area.
This is evident in a Glasgow University survey from 2017 which showed that roughly 70% of Glasgow residents agreed with the statement: ‘Many people in Glasgow think their neighbourhood has a bad reputation’.
Social impact (KNOWLEDGE 2)
It may be argued that the social impact of crime on communities is the most prominent, this can be seen by the physical damage that can be caused to an area. Areas with a large amount of crime can become run down due to high levels of vandalism and graffiti.
For example, according to The Courier in 2019, Dundee City Council dealt with almost 500 incidents of vandalism totalling £133,000.
Social impact (KNOWLEDGE 3)
It may be argued that the social impact of crime on communities is the most prominent, this can be seen by the house prices would decrease. This is because areas with high levels of crime including theft and violent crimes will be unattractive to potential house buyers and, over time people may move away leading to depopulation of neighbourhoods where crime levels are high.
This is evident from a survey undertaken by the Land Commission of the Scottish Government in 2017 in which it was argued that in the eventuality that the proportion of crime increased by one percentage point, house prices in the area would be expected to drop by 1.5%.
Social impact (evaluation)
In evaluation it is clear that the social impact of crime is the main impact of crime on wider communities as crime adversely impacts house prices, leads to depopulation of areas and leaves them with a negative legacy and reputation which is hard to recover from.
Political impact (KNOWLEDGE 1)
It may be argued that the political impact of crime on communities is a prominent factor- this is due to new laws being passed as a result of the crime taking place. A serious crime can have political consequences - the government often creates solutions to prevent the crime from reoccurring like, for example, introducing new laws.
An example of this was in 2014, the government created Clare’s Law. This scheme gives any member of the public the right to ask the police if their partner may pose a risk to them by allowing women to check police records to see if a partner has a violent past.
Political impact (KNOWLEDGE 2)
Some may argue that the political impact of crime on communities is the most prominent. This can be seen with political movements developing and growing out of crime taking place within wider society.
This is evident as protestors may organise a protest as a way of publicly making their opinions heard to influence general public opinion or government policy, such as was the case for the year after the tragic death of Sarah Everard, protesters gathered outside the Scottish Parliament in her memory and in tribute to other women killed at the hands of male violence. They pledged to “put pressure on those in power” ( 3rd March 2022).
Political impact (KNOWLEDGE 3)
Some may argue that the political impact of crime on communities is the most prominent - this is because tougher laws are being introduced to combat crime to make communities feel safer. This can be seen in relation to public anxiety about stabbings, where legislative changes and firmer guidance for judges and magistrates since 2015 have led to stiffer sentences.
For example, Police Scotland in 2018 cited that of those sent to prison for possessing a knife, most -82%- serve at least three months behind bars. This proportion has risen from 51% from 10 years ago.
Political impact (evaluation)
In evaluation, it may be argued that the political impact of crime is very significant due to the legal changes that can occur to try and stem the impact of crime in society, especially in instituting Clare’s law and becoming firmer in sentencing. However, the social impact of crime on communities is the main one due to the effect it has on a place’s reputation and this could potentially be an impact that residents cannot escape.
Economic impact (KNOWLEDGE 1)
It may be argued that crime mainly impacts communities economically. This is shown by the damage businesses experience as a result of the crime. Businesses are affected by many different types of crimes, such as shoplifting and fraud, which cost businesses in the UK billions of pounds each year.
For example, a UK Government Home Office Report in 2018 estimated that crimes against businesses cost around £10 billion per annum.
Economic impact (KNOWLEDGE 2)
It also may be argued crime mainly affects communities economically due to the cost of security. To protect an area from dangerous crimes taking place, or to stop crimes happening again, the government or council often have to spend millions on security systems such as CCTV to keep the area safe.
For example, according to Edinburgh Live, Edinburgh city council is set to spend £2.6 million on CCTV cameras in 2022.
Economic impact (KNOWLEDGE 3)
It also may be argued that crime mainly affects economically due to the cost of damage caused by crimes. When it comes to crimes such as vandalism and arson, millions of pounds are needed to rebuild and repair what has been damaged as a result of the crime.
For example, one housing association in Sunderland in 2021 spent £8million on repairs suspected to be linked to domestic violence, according to Dominic Casciani, the Home Repairs correspondent.
Economic impact (evaluation)
In evaluation, it may be argued that the economic effect on crime is the main one due to the cost that councils and the government have to deal with that could be better spent on things that would be more beneficial to the community. However, the social impact of crime on communities is the main impact on society due to the way it can be depopulated and lose a sense of community as a result if the material and economic damage incurred.
Conclusion
To conclude, the main impact on crime in communities is social to a large extent. Although crime has an economic impact on its communities as crime can be very costly in many areas; for example, businesses, people paying for security and damage caused by crime. Crime also has a political impact on communities as it can lead to laws being improved or introduced due to communities protesting. Overall, the main impact of crime in communities is social due to the stigma crime can create in a community which can lead to the area becoming undesirable which leads to further consequences such as house prices dropping, reputation being ruined.
