Demographic Factor, Essay Example

The use of demographic factors, as determinants of the level of crime is still little explored in the criminal justice literature. “Papers of economists, psychologists and criminologists have shown that demographic factors are important to influence the propensity of an individual to participate in criminal activities” (Hartung, 2007). There is sound evidence that the demographic factors play a vital role in the determination of crime rates, for violent and property crimes. “The crime literature has already found strong evidences that children born from single mothers, raised without the father or born of mothers with low education have greater probability of be involved in criminal activities, mainly to commit violent crimes” (Hartung, 2007). Apart from the demographic factors, the psychological and economic aspects also influence crime data. The psychological factors connected to upbringing of an individual are much more significant to comprehend why an individual commits a rape or a murder, while thefts and burglaries are obviously encouraged by economic reasons.

References

Hartung, G. Demographic factors as determinants of crime rates. Retrieved May 6, 2009, from http://www.abep.nepo.unicamp.br/SeminarioPopulacaoPobrezaDesigualdade2007/docs/SemPopPob07_1062.pdf