Social Structure and Crime

Social structure theories describe the aspect of economic class as a central factor concerning crime commission in the society. These theories, evaluate the differences that exist within the society due to the segmentation of individuals into groups that identify with each other based on similar wealth and social status, values and lifestyle (Granovetter 1985). Research shows that there exists a correlation between an individual’s economic status and his or her probability to engage in criminal acts. Neighborhoods deprived of various resources face high crime rates. The significant challenges that face individuals in lower-class neighborhoods increase their possibility of engaging in crime. The lack of adequate resources within the lower class acts as a hindrance concerning access to appropriate education and other basic facilities. In this regard, the lower class comprises of a large number of unskilled individuals who do not have a meaningful source of income. In this regard, a significant percentage of individuals within the lower class live on meager income that makes access to basic needs such as food and appropriate housing considerably difficult. The lack of employment and educational facilities in lower-class neighborhoods promotes a lot of idleness. Due to the lack of any engaging activities, individuals within the lower class tend to participate in unconstructive activities. These include drug abuse. The high proliferation of drugs in most ghettos attests to this aspect. Statistics demonstrate the correlation between drug abuse and criminal activities. Since offenders from the lower class face difficulties in obtaining appropriate legal representation for unlawful offences, they are likely to face criminal records, which hinder their pursuance of employment in the future. This aspect motivates individuals to repeat offenses due to various employment barriers created by criminal records. The diversity in economic classes creates an aspect of bias, especially towards the lower class. Evidence illustrates numerous cases of discrimination against the lower class in various societal systems.

Social structure theories establish the lack of resources as the major factor promoting high incidences of crime within the lower class. Thus, to minimize incidences of crime in the United States, the government must adopt strategies that facilitate adequate allocation of resources and the establishment of essential facilities within lower-class neighborhoods (Barak et al., 2010). Amenities such as schools are essential in order to eliminate the considerable lack of skills among members of the lower class. Imparting the lower class with appropriate skills and knowledge will enable them to participate in meaningful revenue generation projects. With enough income for households within lower-class neighborhoods, incidences of crime are likely to decline. People will not want to engage in unlawful acts that may subject them to criminal records, which will hinder their chances of employment (Barak et al., 2010). Setting up development projects in lower-class neighborhoods will eliminate high levels of idleness within the lower class. Thus, their engagement in constructive activities will mitigate the tendency to participate in behaviors such as drug abuse. The mitigation of drug abuse within lower-class neighborhoods will be a significant advancement towards combating crime. Promoting the need to discard negative perceptions concerning the lower-class members is crucial in order to give them equal opportunities in the United States. Negative notions on the lower class encourage this group’s marginalization by the upper class. This is disadvantageous to the lower class considering that the upper class controls most of the sectors and systems in the United States. The marginalization of the lower class thrives even within the criminal-justice system. Bias in the execution of justice creates conflict between the lower class and the criminal-justice system. Subjecting the lower class to undue law processes creates the notion that crime is as characteristic of the lower class and thus promotes the vice.