Sociology
Introduction
America is considered as one of the economic giant and powerhouses alongside Britain. For many years, countries in the periphery (Third world or developing countries) have always looked upon America as they seek to raise their standards. However, even with impressive economic performance and well developed infrastructure America still faces a myriad of challenges. One of the seemingly increasing problems is rise in crime cases especially among the young people in the country. This discussion looks at crime as one of the social challenge that America continue to face. In addition, more emphasis will be put towards the extent to which this problem is spread.
Crime
A problem is classified as social if it affects the society whether directly or indirectly. Rise in crime and ways to combat crime remains a concern of every society. The American government has over the years put measures in place to combat crime. It is however, with growing concern that there is increase in crime levels in America. Of even greater alarm is the fact that the crimes that are on the rise are violent in nature most of which lead to grievous bodily harm or death (Blumstein, 2006).
The general feeling by majority of Americans is that their neighborhoods are not as safe as they used to be. According to surveys, this is a feeling that is replicated all over America. It is unfortunate to note that despite the measures that have been put in place, crime in America continues to increase. Further, the magnitude and types of crime are also on the increase.
There are many factors that are attributed to the rise in crime rates in America. There was a notable increase from late 2007 going forward. The year 2007 and spilling over to 2008 was very crucial not just for America but the entire globe. It is during this period that the worldwide economic recession hit throwing the world economic into turmoil. This period could only be compared with the Great Depression of the 1930s. Increase in crime rate can therefore be largely attributed economic turmoil and inflation that has characterized America in recent years. With economic turmoil, the standards of living skyrocket. As a result, majority of people in society cannot afford the high cost of living. They therefore result to crime in order to meet their needs.
Analysts argue that desperation and especially among the young people accounts for the continued rise in crime rates. With economic turmoil not only comes high cost of living but massive unemployment. Most of the companies, in an attempt to remains in business are forced to undertake massive layoffs. This translates to thousands of people, majority of whom are below the age of forty being jobless.
Extent of the Problem
Although the global recession has since been corrected in the last couple of years, there is still an increase in the rates of crime. This could only mean that it is not only the state of economy that informs the rate of crime in the society. Rather, there are many other factors which when coupled together explain the status quo (Solomon, 2012). In the past, crime was seen as a preserve of men. However, recent statistics indicate that even women have not taken up to crime. Although the reason provided as to why women engage in crime appear to differ to those of men, crime rates have increased significantly. However, the fact that there are now more women in crime is seen as worrying trend and a measure of increase in crime.
Statistics from the crime department also shows that people have become more fearless as they devise even more strategic ways of perpetrating criminal activities. When crime among women began, they were known to engage in minor offenses such as shoplifting. However, current trends show that more people including women offenders are negating in violent crimes. Killing of spouses has become commonplace as the nature of crimes committed vary and intensify
Social Theory
One of the social theories that best explains the increase in the rate of crime in American society is Robert Merton’s social anomie theory. This theory argues that the American dream has been associated with particular aspects. For one to be said to be living the American dream, they must live a certain kind of life. Usually, the kind of life that is associated with the American dream can best be described as affluent. Unfortunately, due to the tough economic times, majority of people, both young and old do not have the means to live the American dream (Kender, 2006). Yet looking around, there is always the pressure to live a life in accordance with what is expected in the society. This is especially so for en who are expected to be breadwinners who take care of their families.
The constant pressure coming from societal expectations forces most people to look for alternative means to attain the American dream. Crime has been seen by many young people as the quickest alternative means of meeting societal expectations. This explains why there is a rise in the number of young men street gangs who indulge in drugs and engage in crimes. Drug trafficking is one of the most common forms of crime. In most countries of the world, the sale of drugs is strictly prohibited. Yet, for those who engage in it, they argue that it is a multibillion market. This attracts many young people who cannot secure formal employment.
Merton further notes that the structure of the society in America is such that some opportunities are almost secluded so that certain people cannot access them (Albanese, 2006). Job opportunities are reserved for those with education qualifications. This means that those from poor backgrounds and cannot afford decent education are sentenced to miserable life from the start. Yet, the society exerts similar pressure to such people just as much to those who have been to school. Robert notes that so long as there is no standardization in the structures within society, crime rates will continue to increase.
Conclusion
There are a number of factors that contribute to the increased rates of crime in America. Economic turbulence has been identified as the main contributing factor to the rise. It is therefore a wake up for the American government to make life affordable for all citizens. All the opportunities should be made available and accessible to all. They should not be secluded to some people, as this will lead others to resort into crime. Economic growth is very crucial for a country’s development. Yet, if it is affected by issues such as crime, it can hinder greater exponential growth for a country. It is therefore important the government of America put even more stringent measures to combat crime in the society.
References
Albanese, J. (2006). Organized crime in America. California: Taylor and Francis
Blumstein, A. (2006). The crime drop in America. London: Sage.
Kender, S. (2006), Crime in America. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
Solomon, L. (2012). Cycles of poverty and crime in America’s inner cities. New York: Transaction Books
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