"BCITORGB" wrote in message
ups.com...
Weiser on poverty - crime causality:
======================
I don't dispute that there is some causal link, I dispute that it is
THE
causal link to the exclusion of all others.
========================

I think we're on the way to some kind of agreement. Like you, I'm not
inclined to claim that there is ONE or THE causal link.

Where we likely still disagree is over the relative magnitudes of the
myriad causes of crime. The data I've seen, plus personal observations
and experiences lead me to the conclusion that poverty is a significant
factor in crime (both absolute and relative poverty).

Look about major urban centers around the globe: is crime not generally
more likely to occur in poorer ghettos? When break-in occur in
wealthier neighborhoods, aren't the criminals likely to have come from
poorer neighborhoods? Why are crime rates in aboriginal communities
generally higher than in non-aboriginal communities? Why are North
American natives significantly over-represented in Canada's prison
population?

Again, I'll agree with you that there is no ONE answer, but I'll
venture to say that relative poverty plays a huge role. And I'm not
sure the ownership of guns (or not) would change any of what I've
noted.

frtzw906

A pretty good exploration of this subject:
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articl...63/ai_n6142201

Thanks. Very interesting: "it is our contention that stable employment
represents an important institution of social control that serves as a
disincentive to crime, all things being equal"... That's consistent
with my observation.

frtzw906

"BCITORGB" wrote in message
oups.com...
Thanks. Very interesting: "it is our contention that stable employment
represents an important institution of social control that serves as a
disincentive to crime, all things being equal"... That's consistent
with my observation.

frtzw906

Yeah, it's a bit of a dry piece of writing, but well organized.

It would by my observation that all persons who lack "meaningful occupation"
are less likely to be involved in crime, all other things being equal. And
less likely to develop mental health issues, and to experience other types
of problems as well.