It’s nearly impossible to point to just one cause as an answer to the question of why people commit crimes, with many
factors
at play. Some consider criminal motivation to be fueled by socioeconomic disparities,
while
others seem to believe having moral deficiencies and lacking impulse control is to blame. I believe that
individuals
engaging in criminal
behaviorChange the spelling
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are typically influenced by a combination of both
factors
.
Low socioeconomic standing: low income, poor financial literacy, or poverty correlates with a high likelihood of incarceration, with the data proving those who face socioeconomic implications were 20 times more likely to be pushed to commit crime than those of their peers from high-earning families.
Although
the poor condition itself is typically not the root cause, it is what stems from it like substance abuse, lack of educational access, and mental
health
challenges.
Individuals
living in low-income
neighborhoodsChange the spelling
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are more likely to be affected by opioid overdoses, less likely to graduate from high school, and
thus
face mental
health
challenges. Without having access to quality mental
health
therapies their suffering is more likely to
last
to the point where it becomes a potential impetus for crime.
There is
also
a correlation between family instability and juvenile delinquency, meaning those who experience a turbulent and unstable home life may presumably commit crimes during their youth, even if they don’t, with troubled family histories they are more likely to experience disruptions in their family formation processes which
consequently
may coerce them into offending.
On the other hand
, psychological drivers can influence criminal motivation as well, with criminal impulsivity ranking at the top. Impulsive
individuals
often struggle to inhibit their immediate urges and desires
as well as
prioritize immediate rewards over long-term consequences, even when it comes to committing a crime to get their way.
However
, no one is born a violent offender, except for those who have genetic mutations in their brain development, namely in the amygdala- a part of the brain involved in fear, aggression, and social interactions. Studies suggest that amygdala deficits can make
individuals
fearless in situations that would normally provoke fear, making them more prone to criminal acts. I believe that nurturing these genetically predisposed
individuals
in poor socioeconomic conditions can lead to increased aggression and criminal
behaviorChange the spelling
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.
In conclusion, the motivations behind criminal
behaviorChange the spelling
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are multifaceted, and influenced by both socioeconomic and psychological
factors
.
While
low socioeconomic standing, marked by poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and inadequate mental
health
resources increases the likelihood of criminal acts, psychological drivers
such
as impulsivity and genetic predispositions
also
play a significant role.
Therefore
, I believe it is the interplay between these
factors
that shapes criminal
behaviorChange the spelling
show examples
.