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Is Crime Based on an Individual’s Socio-Economic Status?

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Submitted By kevindash
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Is Crime Based on an Individual’s Socio-Economic Status?

Kevin Dash

Dr. Allan Conkey, Research Methods: CMRJ505

September 29, 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract 3

Introduction 4

Literature Review 6

Hypothesis/Problem Statement 8

Research Design/Methodology 8

Definitions 14

References 15

Abstract:

The purpose of this paper is to determine if someone’s social / economic status will increase the likely-hood they will commit crimes. The research conducted will not only focus on low-income individuals, but mid-range and higher-income individuals as well. The importance of this topic can better assist communities and their local government with the increase in prevention of crime in the long-run.

Introduction:

Over the years there have been numerous studies conducted showing that crimes are more prevalent in communities where the resident’s socio-economic status is lower than other parts of the same community. People who do not make much money or do not have high paying jobs, are more likely to find a source of income elsewhere, majority of the time that source is an illegal one. Thefts, robbery, armed robbery, dealing illegal drugs, are all common types of crimes that are committed in order for an individual to gain more wealth. With these types of crimes, the use of a weapon – most commonly a gun – is used to enact the most fear in the victim and make the crime easier to commit. This writer would like to briefly state a little background about his experience in dealing with the victims of these crimes and how his experience has brought the subject of this paper to light.

For a little over a decade, this writer worked in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) serving majority of that time in the inner city. What was noticed most by this writer

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