Why is Crime Rate Higher in Poor Societies?

This paper argues that impoverished societies fall into the trap of creating anomie repetitively. Social cohesion is one of the core conditions for a peaceful society. According to Émile Durkheim, social cohesion refers to the bonds that bring individuals together and create a collective consciousness. He argued that social cohesion is rooted in shared values and norms and is essential for maintaining social order and solidarity. Durkheim believed that social cohesion could be achieved through shared experiences, such as religious rituals, and that it was essential for creating a sense of belonging and identity. Social cohesion is necessary for social progress and a healthy and functioning society. The impoverished societies usually do not have a great social cohesion as they cannot provide their members with the basic needs including the best education. Lack of education downsizes morale and social cohesion. Firstly, most poor people do not send their children o school. Secondly, lower pay scale for the teachers also downsize their ethical sensitivity. They do not like to put effort for the students. Consequently, the children do not learn the morals and ethics to live in a society. They cannot differentiate between right and wrong and therefore anomie takes place. Anomie refers to a lack of moral guidance or social norms, leading to confusion and chaos. It can occur when an individual’s values and goals conflict with those of their society. Anomie is associated with feelings of alienation, purposelessness, and disintegration. according to Durkheim’s theory, anomie can lead to crime. Anomie creates an environment in which criminal behavior is more likely to occur. Individuals feel disconnected from society and lack a sense of moral guidance, which can lead to deviant behavior and criminal activity.  Limited economic opportunities, lack of social integration, not learning critical thinking or problem solving skills are some reasons people may take wrong path. Durkheim argued that when social norms are unclear or absent, individuals are more likely to pursue their own self-interest without regard for the well-being of others, leading to a rise in criminal behavior. Additionally, anomie can lead to feelings of frustration, disorientation, and disillusionment, which can also contribute to higher crime rates.

Moody, J., & White, D. R. (2003). Structural cohesion and embeddedness: A hierarchical concept of social groups. American sociological review, 103-127.