Working Class Crime

Question 1

Coles (1995)

Answer 1

Argues that if you are poor you are more likely to commit crime

Question 2

Walmsley et al (1994)

Answer 2

41% of prisoners are from the lowest social classes

BUT only 19% of the overall population are from the lowest classes

Question 3

The youth lifestyles survey (1999)

Answer 3

Found that the lowest social classes are more likely to be persistent or serious offenders

Question 4

Jacobson et al

Answer 4

Studied 200 children and young people in custody and found that many were disadvantaged/ from complex backgrounds
• 3/4 of them have absent fathers
•1/2 of them have had to live in a deprived household (unsuitable accommodation)
•just under 1/2 - run away at some point
•more that 1/4 - experienced domestic violence and been in local authority/ care at some point.