Poverty and Crime
Crime is problematic because it counteracts the purpose of microenterprise when introduced to a poverty ridden area. Crime is considered to be a major hindrance to a country’s development according to the United Nations. Therefore, crime needs to be addressed in order to have a lasting effect on increasing any country’s well being.
One problem that impoverished individuals face is the inability to secure resources and develop extended networks to increase their potential for opportunities. One in four children are in a family that is on welfare. It affects not only macro but microeconomic levels, thus nurturing instability.
Neighborhoods have characteristics that affect their inhabitants; crime and health problems alike have been linked to these characteristics. Studies have shown that increased collaboration and shared beliefs in these areas allow for more results to counter the negative effects of poverty.
Neighborhoods with concentrated poverty isolate their residents from the resources and networks they need to reach their potential and deprive the larger community of the neighborhood’s human capital. Unemployment is a contributing factor, as is education. A correlation has been found between less education and an increase in crime. There is also a correlation between poverty, violence and drug use as poverty increases the effects of violence and increases illegal drug use.
Crime and poverty occur in geographically concentrated areas. There is a high correlation between where crime occurs and poverty stricken areas. Various crimes occur in these areas, but violent crimes occur at a much higher rate compared to more prosperous communities.
Community policing is a method that has been successful in the past, alleviating crime issues. A stabilized community provides results that demonstrate that crime can decrease in poverty stricken areas.
The areas where poverty and crime are concentrated need safe microenterprise opportunities that have the potential to be fruitful, without worry for macro and microeconomic consequences due to crime.
– Erika Wright
