The Socio-Economic Impact on Criminality

Abstract

Objectives: This paper aims to analyze the relationship between socio-economic conditions and criminality, emphasizing how poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, inequality and weak institutional trust may influence crime and the perception of public safety. Prior Work: The paper builds on classical and contemporary criminological perspectives, especially anomie and strain theory, social disorganization theory, social learning theory, social control theory and the rational choice approach. Approach: The research uses a qualitative and analytical approach based on literature review and on the synthesis of a case study concerning perceptions of safety and socio-economic vulnerability. Results: The analysis indicates that socio-economic instability may increase the probability of property crimes, opportunistic offences and social tensions, while education, employment, community cohesion and visible institutional presence operate as protective factors. Implications: The findings support integrated public policies that combine prevention, education, employment, social assistance, urban planning and institutional transparency. Value: The paper contributes to the understanding of criminality as a social and economic phenomenon, not only as a legal problem, and highlights the importance of local prevention strategies.