POVERTY CRIME

TITLE OF STUDY:

The Relationship between Poverty and Crime

NAME:

Brandon Atwell

SCHOOL:

Presentation College, San Fernando

TEACHER:

Mr. Nyron Mulchan

CENTRE NUMBER:

160042

EXAMMINATION YEAR:

2012

TERRITORY:

Trinidad and Tobago

SUBJECT:

Caribbean Studies

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title
no.

Page

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.

INTRODUCTION...

Hypothesis and Problem Statement....

Definition of Terms............

6
7

LITERATURE REVIEW.....

DATA COLLECTION SOURCES/

METHODOLOGY

11

PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS...

12

INTERPRETATION OF FINDINGS..

27

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS.

29

CONCLUSION ...

30

Limitations......
Recommendations

30
31

BIBLIOGRAPHY.

33

APPENDICES...

34

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Firstly, I wish to thank God, my parents and the respondents for their assistance. I
would also like to thank my teacher, Mr. Nyron Mulchan, without whose guidance and
support this project would not have been a success.

INTRODUCTION
RATIONALE :

In every developing country crime is inherent. It behaves like a contagious disease,

spreading rapidly if not restricted. Trinidad and Tobago has become one such country as
over the past few years the levels of crime has intensified engendering concern both
locally and internationally. Crime adversely affects society and so Government and law
enforcement agencies need to implement measures to eradicate the disease. Thus far the
authorities cannot seem to find an antidote to cure this disease.
So how does one control such a problem?
Analysing the causes of crime and eliminating the conditions which give rise to crime
would in turn prevent crime. Many sociologists and criminologists, as well as many
citizens have identified poverty as the major cause of crime. This postulation, however,
has stimulated much debate.

PURPOSE AND EDUCATIONAL VALUE :

This topic has captured my personal interest as it is common for people to blame
poverty for crime. As a result, I have decided to conduct a study into the relationship
between crime and poverty. This will be done with reference to towns in Central
Trinidad. I intend to juxtapose my findings against literature on the relationship between
crime and poverty. I hope that the information presented would contribute to my societys
understanding of crime and poverty and that my recommendations made would be used
to help curb this social scourge.

DELIMITATION :

The major delimitation of this study is that it only

focused on only four towns namely Freeport, Chaguanas, Couva and Cunupia (Central
Trinidad).

HYPOTHESIS :
Poverty is the main cause of crime in Central Trinidad.

PROBLEM STATEMENT :
This research aims to:
1. To evaluate the relationship between crime and poverty.
2. To determine the level of crime and poverty in the districts of Freeport,
Chaguanas, Couva and Cunupia.
3. To propose solutions to reduce crime and poverty in the districts of Freeport,
Chaguanas, Couva and Cunupia.

DEFINITION OF TECHINICAL TERMS :

Poverty: - refers to living conditions, in which there is an inability to afford/ access basic
goods and services.
Crime: - a violation of a law for which the offender may be punished.
Relative Deprivation: - this may be defined as when a group in society, that may actually
not be affected by poverty, feels deprived relative to other groups in society that are in a
better position (in terms of finance and social status). As a result, they may take action
(sometimes illegally) to obtain the various things for which they feel deprived.
Juvenile Delinquency: - an act which is against a law, committed by a juvenile.

Literature review

One source of literature reviewed, Sociological Themes and Perspectives(1995),

gives a detailed analysis of crime and deviance from various professional perspectives,
including its possible causes and established effects. The authors cite a theory called
Relative Deprivation as being the cause of crime. This theory states that criminal
activity can be propagated when a particular group in society feels deprived in
comparison with another similar group. However, they do not believe that poverty is a
direct cause of crime since rich people can also feel deprived. Despite their belief, their
theory lends some truth to my hypothesis since the poor are obviously deprived and can,
therefore, be tempted to perpetrate crimes.
In his contribution to Contemporary Issues in Social Science: A Caribbean
Perspective, Volume 2 (1995) in the essay Poverty, Crime and Public Policy, Dr.
Ramesh Deosaran explains that poverty is not a direct cause of crime. The type of crime
perpetrated needs to be specified since according to him, crime is committed by both the
wealthy and the poor. Certain crimes are likely to be committed by members of one social
group than by others of another social group. For instance, the more highly publicized
crimes in society, sensational crimes such as robberies and larceny are more likely to
be committed by poverty stricken social groups. Silent crimes such as tax evasion and
financial conspiracy are more likely to be committed by members of the upper class.
Therefore, he establishes that poverty is related to a certain genre of crimes. Even so, he
says when considering the causes of crime, other factors, both social and psychological,
should also be considered. He concludes that poverty does not in itself lead to crime,
since many poor people do not commit crime and enough evidence does not exist to
postulate that the crimes committed by the poor is influenced by poverty. Hence,

according to Dr. Deosaran, poverty cannot be regarded as the main cause of crime and
disproves my hypothesis.
Dr. Deosaran reinforces his views on the matter, in his contribution to
Contemporary Issues in Social Science: A Caribbean Perspective, Volume 3 (1996)
in the essay Youth, Poverty and Delinquency: Policy Challenges in which he explores
juvenile delinquency and crime. He asserts that criminal activity results from various
factors. In his discussion, he includes an impoverished social background as being one of
these conditions in which the need to survive may lead to acts of delinquency. He points
out that in todays society some crimes are committed as acts of fun and humour for the
youth in society. However, he does not think that poverty in itself induces crime and other
forms of delinquent behaviour. He says that poverty may be related to crime but proposes
the concept of relative deprivation as being the most likely to lead to delinquency.
Therefore, according to Dr. Deosaran, it is not sufficiently accurate to regard poverty as
the major cause of crime. This disproves my hypothesis that poverty is the main cause of
crime in Central Trinidad. Dr. Deosarans views influenced the preparation of my
questionnaires.
In the text, Sociology, Second Edition (1988) David Brinkorhoff and Lynn White
give an in-depth analysis of crime, in which they support Dr. Deosarans views. They too
suggest that not only do the poor commit crime but also those of the upper class as
mentioned by Dr. Deosaran. They admit that different crimes are committed by different
social classes sharing Dr. Deosarans view that the lower class commits direct types
(those that are normally handled by the police) and the upper class is involved in whitecollar crime such as fraud and embezzlement.

The literature reviewed, it concludes that poverty alone is not the major cause of
crime. Crime is a result of various social, psychological and environmental factors.
Nevertheless, poverty plays a relatively insignificant role but it is not directly responsible
for criminal acts.

DATA COLLECTION SOURCES AND

METHODOLOGY

10

In the initial phase of this study, I conducted a literature review to obtain

background information and to gain a perspective for my topic. For my data collection, I
targeted the districts Freeport, Chaguanas, Couva and Cunupia, distributing 40
questionnaires randomly (Appendix, Questionnaire #1). These questionnaires were
dropped into the mail boxes of various houses of the districts randomly (every fifth
house) on the 14th and 15th of January 2012 for convenience of the respondent. As will be
seen in the appendix, the questionnaires were both closed and open ended since various
opinions of the respondents were indispensable. Of these, 38 were returned and these
were used in my analysis. To obtain official crime statistics I formulated a second
questionnaire (Appendix, Questionnaire #2) which was filled out by an officer attached to
the Couva Police Station. In my investigation both qualitative and quantitative methods
were used.
By analysing the data obtained I was able to arrive at a conclusion, with
limitations, with respect to my hypothesis.

PRESENTATION OF DATA

11

Figure 1. A Bar chart showing the residence of the various respondents.

The information showed that 9 respondents were from Couva, 9 from Cunupia, 8
from Chaguanas and 12 from Freeport.

Figure 2. A Line graph showing the age of the respondents.

12

 The graph showed that 5 respondents were 15-25 years, 5 were 21-25, 4 were 26-30,
3 were 31-35, 6 were 36-40, 4 were 41-45, 3 were 46-50, none were 51-55, 5 were
56-60, one was 61-65 and two were 66 and older.
Figure 3. A Pie chart showing the gender of the respondents.

The information showed that 55% of the respondents were female while 45% were
male.
Figure 4. An Area graph showing the monthly income of the respondents.

13

 The data showed that 4 respondents earned $0-$5000 per month, 6 earned $5001$10000, 7 earned $10001-$15000, and 3 earned $15001 and over while 18 were
either a school child or unemployed.
Figure 5. A Cone chart showing the status of the respondents in society.

The data concluded that 15 respondents were in the high class, 8 in the upper-middle,
9 in the lower-middle and 6 in the lower class.
Figure 6. A Column graph showing if crime is a problem in the district.

14

 The information showed that 20 respondents thought crime was a problem in their
area, 6 thought it was not and 12 thought it was a problem to a limited extent.

15

Figure 7. A Doughnut chart showing the responses to the question of the protective
services efficiency.

The data concluded that 24% of the respondents thought that the protective services
were doing enough to prevent criminal activities in their area while 47% did not and
29% thought they were to a limited extent.

16

Figure 8. A Bar graph showing the number of respondents who were victims of crime.

The data showed that 22 respondents were themselves of crime while 16 were not.

17

Figure 9. A Venn diagram showing the crimes the respondents were victim to.

Sexual
Offences:
2

Robbery
5

Housebreaking2
6

Murder,
Kidnapping, etc
2

What Crimes were you victim of?

Among the crimes committed to the respondents there were 2 sexual offences, 11
robberies, 11 housebreakings and 5 murders, kidnapping etc.

18

Figure 10. A Pyramid column graph showing the respondents who knew a victim of
crime.

The information showed that 15 respondents knew persons who were victims of
crime while 23 did not.

19

Figure 11. A Bar chart showing if the respondents knew a criminal, stating the crime and
if the criminal was poor.

The graph showed that 17 respondents knew certain criminals and confirmed that
almost all the offenders were poor; 15 out of 17 were poor.

20

Figure 12. A Column graph showing the percentage of the community that is poor.

The data concluded that 20 of the respondents felt that less than 25% of their
community was poor, 14 believed it was between 25%-50%, 4 between 50%-75%
while no one believed more than 75% was poor.

21

 Figure 13. A Column graph with depth showing if poverty is the major cause of
crime.

The information showed that 15 respondents believed that poverty was the major
cause of crime and 12 did not while 11 felt poverty influenced crime to a limited
extent.

22

Figure 14. An Exploded Pie chart showing the causes of crime.

What do you believe to cause crime?

Lack of job
opportunities
13%

Lack of parental
guidance
29%

Poverty

Peer pressure,
others
3%
Poverty
39%

Lack of education
Lack of parental
guidance

Lack of education
16%

Lack of job
opportunities
Peer pressure,
others

The responses revealed that 39% believed that poverty caused crime, 16% believed it
was a lack of education, 29% a lack of parental guidance, 13% a lack of job
opportunities and 3% thought it was peer pressure and others.

23

Figure 15. A Black and White Pie chart showing if the respondents who believe that by
reducing poverty crime will be reduced.

The information from the pie chart revealed that 44% of the respondents believed that
by reducing poverty crime will be reduced and 24% did not while 32% thought it
might be effective to an extent.

24

Figure 16. A Flow chart showing the recommendations made to reduce crime and
poverty as given by the respondents.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Job Availability
Academic & Trade Education
Accessibility of Sporting Facilities
Implementation of Anti-crime Programs
Programs
Strengthening Parent-child Relationship

The recommendations gathered from the respondents to reduce crime and poverty
were to make more jobs available, to increase access to academic and trade education
and even sporting facilities, the implementation of anti-crime programs and
strengthening of the parent child relationship.

25

Figure 17. A Bar chart with the data table official crime statistics for 2006.

The official crime statistics for 2006 revealed that within the four districts, Freeport,
Couva, Chaguanas and Cunupia, there was a total of 33 murders, 276 housebreakings
and larceny, 475 robberies with aggravation, 208 robberies with violence and 279
larcenies.

26

Interpretation of data
After the questionnaires were retrieved, the results were collated and graphically
presented in order to facilitate further analysis.
Figure 1 showed the number of respondents from each sample area; nine from Couva,
eight from Chaguanas, nine from Cunupia and twelve from Freeport. Figure 2 showed the
age of the respondents, from the age of fifteen and above. Figure 3 illustrated the gender
of the respondents, 55% being male and 45% female. The graph in figure 4 gave a picture
of the monthly income of the respondents ranging from unemployed to $15000 and
above. From figure 5, showing the status of the respondents, fifteen were in the lower
class, eight in lower-middle, nine in upper-middle and six as high class. This information
showed that the respondents were from a broad background and so can be judged nonbiased.
The majority of the respondents, twenty of them, indicated that crime was a problem
in their district. Figure 8 illustrated that twenty two respondents were themselves victims
of crime while sixteen were not. From the Venn diagram in figure 9, a breakdown of the
types of crimes incurred was given. Housebreakings totalled eleven, robberies eleven;
kidnappings/murders etc five, while two were sexually offended. The information
revealed that 47% of the respondents believed that the protective services are not doing
enough to fight against crime, 29% to some extent while 24% believe they are. This
indicated that the people have little faith in the protective services.
The data indicated that fifteen respondents knew victims of crime while twenty three
does not and that seventeen respondents knew persons who committed a crime. The

27

crimes committed were specified revealing that larceny was the most common and
overall, most of the offenders were poor. This clearly indicated that poverty is linked to
crime but the data is not sufficient to state that poverty was the only reason for them to
commit the crime.
The results revealed that twenty respondents thought that less than 25% of their
community was poor, fourteen between 25%-50%, four between 50%-75% and no one
believed that more than 75% was poor. Figure 13 indicated that fifteen respondents
believed that poverty is the main cause of crime, eleven to some extent while twelve
disagreed. Figure 14 gave a breakdown of the possible causes of crime giving poverty the
biggest share with 39% and peer pressure, the smallest of 3%. The Black and White Pie
Chart in figure 15 showed that 44% of the respondents believed that by reducing poverty
crime will be reduced, 32% to some extent while 24% disagreed. This information also
showed that poverty is linked to crime but is not the main cause of it as the majority
respondents does not believe that by reducing poverty crime will be reduced.
Figure 16 presented the recommendations for reducing crime and poverty as given by
the respondents. They suggested basic education and skill training, sporting, job
availability and strengthening of parent-child relationship.
Figure 17 illustrated official crime statistics for 2006 revealing that robbery with
aggravation was the most common.
The results obtained indicated that poverty may be linked to crime but it is not the
main cause of crime.

28

Discussion of findings
This investigation sought to test the hypothesis Poverty is the major cause of crime
by analyzing statistics and data obtained by using specially designed questionnaires,
distributed randomly in the sample area.
The results obtained revealed that poverty is a problem and the majority or
respondents admitted that crime is a serious issue. Most of the respondents who knew
persons who committed a crime indicated the offender was poor. This is supported by
Young and Lea who proposed the theory of Relative Depression. The poor are deprived
and can easily be tempted to commit a crime but there is not evidence to prove the
hypothesis.
The investigation revealed that larceny was the most common offence by which
almost all of the offenders were poor. This coincides with Dr. Deosarans views that poor
people commit sensational crimes. This, therefore, directly implies that the rich also
commit crime, which Dr. Deosaran called Silent Crime. This is endorsed by
Brinkorhoffs postulation that the upper class often commits white collar crime that is
not usually spoken about in the media such as fraud.
However, it cannot be concluded that poverty is the main cause of crime as only
fifteen of the thirty-eight respondents believed it was. They do admit that it is a problem
but only 44% of them believe that by reducing poverty crime will be reduced. The
respondents, together with Dr. Deosaran, explained that there are other attributes to crime
such as an impoverished social background, lack of education and peer pressure.
Hence, the investigation clearly indicated that poverty cannot solely be blamed for
crime. Poverty in conjunction with other factors will result in the propagation of crime.
29

Conclusion limitations and

recommendations
CONCLUSION :
The aim of this study was to prove or disprove the hypothesis Poverty is the main
cause of crime in Central Trinidad. After analyzing the information, obtained in
questionnaires designed to test this hypothesis, it can be concluded that not enough
evidence is present to show that poor people are the only perpetrators of crime in the
area. Since the sample area does not have high levels of poverty but are afflicted by
crimes it is not plausible to link both phenomena. While it is possible that poor people do
commit various crimes, the statement that poverty is the main cause of crime is not
supported by any of the findings of this study.

LIMITATIONS :
The study does not provide a holistic evaluation for Trinidad and Tobago because of
the limited sample group used. Therefore, the reliability and validity of the study may be
questionable. Also, the time allocated for this research was too short. If more time was
given a larger sample group could have been chosen, hence, producing more reliable
conclusions.
Another limitation was that only thirty eight of the forty questionnaires handed out
were retrieved and some were incomplete. After reviewing the responses there was

30

evidence of dishonest responses while some respondents did not seem to take the
questions with the level of importance required.

RECOMMENDATIONS :
Poverty and crime are two major issues not only in, Trinidad and Tobago or the
Caribbean region, but all developing countries world wide. Citizens who are jobless seek
to acquire money and citizens who are in the wrong company may be encouraged to
commit crime. In order to curb these problems governments and societies need to address
these issues of crime and poverty immediately.
By making more jobs available crime will be reduced as people will have a mean of
income and will not be financially depressed. If more sporting and educational institutes,
where trade skills can be learnt, are made accessible to all citizens then these people will
have less idle time and can be able to get jobs and not get involved with crime. Special
emphasis must be paid to the young and homeless so that delinquency may be reduced.
The organisation of youth groups within villages can also reduce idle time of the
youths as they would be involved in organised activities and hence would not get
involved with delinquent behaviour. More rehabilitation centres should be constructed so
that drug addicts can cure themselves and so will not, under the influence, commit
crimes. Anti-crime campaigns such as advertisements, distributing brochures and lectures
at community meetings on how to secure your personal safety should be implemented.
Activities to strengthen the parent-child relationship, such as attending places of
worship and family outings, should be practised regularly so that spiritual education,
values and morals may be instilled in the child and so would not be lead astray.

31

The law enforcement agencies should be reviewed so that they would become more
efficient. They should patrol districts more frequently and conduct random searches for
illegal substances. In doing so, crime will be reduced and monitored.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

32

Baptiste, A. , & Ottley, J.(2004). CAPE Caribbean Studies (A Step by Step Writing
Guide). Barbados: Ottley Solutions.
Boxill, I. et al. (1997). Introduction To Social Research With Applications to the
Caribbean. Jamaica: Canoe Press, U.W.I. 152pp.
Brinkorhoff, B. David. , & White, K. Lynn. (1988). Sociology Second Edition. St. Paul:
West Publishing Company. Unit 2, Chapter 8, p. 201.
Browne, D. et al. (2000). Readings In Caribbean Studies. (C.X.C. CAPE Resource
Material). pp. 191-216.
Deosaran, Ramesh. (1995). Poverty, Crime and Public Policy in Contemporary Issues
in Social Science: A Caribbean Perspective. Trinidad: ANSA McAL Psychological
Research Centre, U.W.I. Volume 2, pp. 1-17.
Deosaran, Ramesh. (1996). Youth, Poverty and Delinquency: Policy Challenges in
Contemporary Issues in Social Science: A Caribbean Perspective. Trinidad: ANSA McAL
Psychological Research Centre, U.W.I. Volume 3, pp. 1-60.
Young, Jock. & Lea, John. in Haralambos & Holborn (1995) Sociological Themes and
Perspectives. London: HaperCollins Publishers, pp. 123-174.

33

34

QUESTIONNAIRE #1
Presentation College,
San Fernando.
January 13th, 2012.

Dear Sir/Madame,
I am Brandon Atwell, a form 6 student of Presentation College San Fernando. One of
the subjects that I am studying, by name Caribbean Studies, includes producing a
research project. This involves investigating a topic based on Human and Social
Development or Issues in the Caribbean of my interest. I have chosen to investigate the
link between crime and poverty in Central Trinidad.
In order to complete this investigation successfully, I kindly request your aid in
responding to a questionnaire that can be returned at any time convenient to you (before
January 23rd 2012). It is not compulsory to answer all the questions on the questionnaire
but any information that you can give will be of assistance. Please attempt the questions
truthfully.
Please note that this questionnaire is completely confidential and you DO NOT have
to write your name on the questionnaire. I thank you sincerely for your time and your
cooperation.

Yours Respectfully,
Brandon Atwell.

35

Please tick appropriately.

1. How old are you?
15-20
21-25
36-40
41-45
56-60
61 and older

26-30
46-50

31-35
51-55

2. Where do you live?

Freeport
Cunupia
Chaguanas
Couva
3. Gender: Male

Female

4. Monthly Income: $0-$5000 $5001-$10000 $10001- $15000

$15000 & over Unemployed
5. What do you consider to be your status in society?
High Class Upper Middle Class Lower Middle Class
Lower Class
6. Is crime a problem in your area?
Yes
No
To some extent
7. Do you think the protective services are doing enough to prevent criminal
activities in your area?
Yes
No
To some extent
Explain your response:

8. Have you ever been a victim of crime?

Yes
No
If yes what crime/crimes were you a victim of?

36

9. Do you know anyone who was a victim of crime?

Yes
No
Please specify:
10. Do you know anyone who has committed a crime?
Yes
No
Please state the crime committed and if you think this person was poor and if you
believe poverty was the main cause for committing this crime:

11. What percentage of your community would you consider to be poor?

Less than 25%
Between 25%-50%
Between 50%-75%
More than 75%
12. Do you think that poverty is the main cause of crime in your district?
Yes
No
To some extent
Please state what you believe causes of crime:

13. Do you think by reducing poverty crime will be reduced?

Yes
No
To some extent
14. What recommendations do you suggest be implemented to reduce crime and
poverty?
Job Availability
Academic and Trade Education
Accessibility of Sporting Facilities
Strengthening of parent-child relationship
Other
Please specify

Thank you for your time and cooperation.

37

QUESTIONNAIRE #2

Presentation College,
San Fernando.
January 20th, 2012.

Dear Sir/Madame,
I am Brandon Atwell, a form 6 student of Presentation College San Fernando. One of
the subjects that I am studying, Caribbean Studies, includes producing a research project.
This involves investigating a topic based on Human and Social Development or Issues in
the Caribbean of my interest. I have opted to investigate the link between crime and
poverty in Central Trinidad.
In order to complete this investigation successfully, I kindly request your aid in
replying to a questionnaire. This questionnaire was designed to obtain official statistics in
order to establish educational links between crime and poverty. The information that you
can provide will be greatly appreciated. I thank you in advance for your time and
assistance.
Yours Respectfully,
Brandon Atwell.

38

Please state your position:

You are kindly asked to fill in the statistics listing the top 5 commonly committed
criminal offences and the number of occurrences for the year 2006.
Freeport:
Total number of reported criminal offences:
Type of Crime

Number of Occurrences

Couva:
Total number of reported criminal offences:
Type of Crime

Number of Occurrences

Chaguanas:
Total number of reported criminal offences:
Type of Crime

Number of Occurrences

Cunupia:
Total number of reported criminal offences:
39

Type of Crime

Number of Occurrences

40