Causes and theories of crimeHow does poverty influence crime?

Although not the first to argue that environment affects the chances of committing crime, in the 1950s American criminologist Robert Merton argued that where people are denied the opportunity to achieve success in life in the traditional way (work hard, good education, good jobs) some may turn to crime as an alternative means of getting what they need and want.

Further, as societies such as America are clearly unequal in terms of rich and poor, Merton argued that those in the poorest groups with the least opportunities would be the most likely to commit crime.

Today, there is a wealth of evidence that links poverty and crime. Poverty or areas where people are deprived, tend to have higher crime rates. This suggests there is a strong link between poverty and crime. For example, crime rates are higher in Dundee City, Glasgow City and Aberdeen City than in more affluent areas, such as East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, and the Orkney Islands.

One reason to explain the link between poverty and higher crime rates, is that those on a low income may choose to commit crime, such as shoplifting, to get the things they need. However, most poorer people do not commit crime and every year there are examples of wealthy people who commit crime.

Total number of recorded crimes per 10,000 population 2022-23. (Source: National Statistics, Scottish Government)

In 2022-23, 31% of people arriving in prison are from the 10% of most deprived communities in Scotland, compared to 1% people arriving in prison from the least deprived communities in Scotland.