RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Crime and Socio-Economic Status 1

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of Study

Contrary to popular belief, crime is not simply just a function of low socio-economic

status. There are significant levels of crime associated with low socio-economic status; there are

also significant, often underreported, levels of crime among the higher classes. The economic

impact of white-collar crime is also found to be greater than the crimes that are generally

committed at lower socio-economic levels.

There has long been awareness in many societies that criminal activity was somehow

linked to poverty. The exact relationship is not clear however and the media has shaped the

views of many. The selective reporting on crime by the media creates stereotypes that are

difficult to separate from an objective look at the issues. Maguire and Radosh (1999) noted this

phenomenon and studied many of the issues involving crime and criminals. They observed that

the reporting on this issue was driven by the circumstances surrounding the criminal act, the

level of dramatic elements to the story and the involvement of famous people. They found that

stories that were devoid of these elements were generally underreported (p.14).

Maguire and Radosh (1999) further observed that the reporting distorted the actual

pattern of criminal activity and created stereotypes which shaped people’s consciousness about

the nature of crime being committed. In this environment, some types of crime were never

reported, hence perpetrating the view that crime was only committed by a certain class of people

and fit a certain pattern (p. 14).

Crime and Socio Economic Status 2

David Musick (as cited in Clifton Bryant ed. 2001) concurred with the preceding

viewpoint when he observed that media attention focused mainly on common crimes and lower-

class criminals (p.477). The confusion about what constitutes crime and who are the main

perpetrators is further fuelled by the joint causality between crime and poverty. Evidently, the

prevalence of crime in a certain area discourages formal business and this loss of business

contributes to poverty. Similarly, high crime areas may attract more criminals due to a

perception that detection may be more difficult or the area may be a source of customers of

illegal endeavors such as the drug trade.

Maguire and Radosh (1999) presented a more operational definition in that they

identified components of three useful definitions of crime. They first cited the Legalistic

definition which simply speaks to a violation of criminal law. The Labeling definition and the

Harms-based definition are also described. The legalistic definition of crime which speaks to a

violation of statutes has three components. There is first the intention. Simply put, the

lawbreaker must have had an intention to commit the act. In legal language this has been

described as mens rea or evil intent. Maguire and Radosh (1999) admitted however, that proving

of intent is an extremely difficult aspect of legal prosecution. The second component cited was

knowledge. This seeks to establish whether the lawbreaker knowingly committed the act. This

component of the legalistic definition allowed for the introduction of the defense that a person

may not be found guilty if it can be established that they were insane or at least temporarily

oblivious to their actions. The third component of the legalistic definition cited was freedom. The

violation of the statute must be proven to have been committed with a free will. A person

compelled to carry out an illegal act cannot be held guilty of the commission if it was not

voluntarily carried out (pp. 17-18).


In the background of the above discussion the researcher proposes to study what impact if

any, low socio-economic status has on crime.

Statement of the Problem

The United States of America collects crime statistics on the most serious and frequently

occurring crimes. This is collected into a crime index called the Uniform Crime Report (UCR)

which compares the rates for the various types of indexed crimes. Kornblum and Julian (2007)

reported on the 2003 index. This showed Larceny theft at 59.4%, Burglary 18.22%, Motor

Vehicle theft 10.7%, Aggravated Assault 7.2%, Robbery 3.4%, Forcible Rape 0.7% and Murder

0.13%. They noted however that these statistics did not show the whole picture and that many

types of crime were not even indexed. The effect of indexing therefore attracted the police

attention to these crimes. This gave greater visibility to these incidences and indicated the

direction of law enforcement. It ought to be pointed out that violent and property crimes are the

only types represented on the crime index. This type of crime reporting is suspect due to the fact

that many other crimes are underreported and law enforcement officers have wide discretion in

choosing which particular crime or perpetrator to prosecute (pp. 143-147). Kornblum and Julien

(2007) noted that with the thousands of laws on the books any individual police would be able to

choose which crimes to ignore once it was consistent with his departmental policy. They further

cited a case where middle class youths and lower class youths were given totally different

treatments even after they had together violated the same statutes (p. 165).

Kornblum and Julien (2007) summarized the problems associated with the crime index

system by noting that:

In sum, it appears that the poor, the undereducated and minority groups have become the victims of selective law enforcement, stereotyping and misleading statistics. The rich and powerful in contrast have been insulated from these problems; they are so seldom sent to prison that when one of them is finally jailed for fraud, embezzlement or tax evasion, it


makes headlines. Some sociologists, noting the difficulty of obtaining accurate information on the incidence of these crimes have concluded that the upper class may actually have a higher rate of crime than the lower classes (pp.142-143).

Kornblum and Julien (2007); Haralambos and Holborn (2004) and Carter (2002) all agree

that there are many types of crimes and criminals. Among the more common are crimes of

violence, white-collar crimes and corporate crimes.

Crimes of violence are acts in which physical injury is inflicted or threatened. The

ultimate violent crime, that of murder seems to have some distinct characteristics. Kornblum and

Julien (2007) reported that murders occurred most often in large cities, most murderers were

men, guns were the most common murder weapon, most murderers were young; aged 17 to 34,

most murder victims were members of a minority group, most of the time the killer and victim

were of the same race and a high proportion of murderers were relatives of their victims (p. 145).

It is worthy of note that violent crimes along with property crimes comprised the total of

the U.S. crime index and generally implicated people of low socio-economic status as

perpetrators of these crimes. Maguire and Radosh (1999) reported that arrest statistics and prison

inmate data supported the relationship between violent crimes and low socio-economic status.

This however is not the whole picture of the crime situation. There are also incidences of white

collar crime and Corporate crime. Haralambos and Holborn (2004) stated that White-collar

crime may include bribery and corruption in business, professional misconduct, fraud, and

misrepresentation in advertising among other offences (p.343). They further pointed to the fact

that official statistical reports did not give an accurate picture of the extent of delinquency among

white collar workers. It was consistently observed that offences committed by adults of high

social status were not likely to be prosecuted. And fraud, a common white collar crime led to

extremely high financial costs to society (pp. 345-346).


Corporate crimes are a special type of white collar crime committed by corporations and

organizations. In her online article, Needleman (2006) reported that common examples of

corporate crime that have been highlighted by the media are events such as the Enron Scandal of

2001, where that company concealed huge debts by producing misleading accounting reports to

deceive investors about their financial position (para. 6). An online article from CBS News

(2002) reported also that the WorldCom scandal of 2002 admitted to accounting errors of $3.8

billion. This forced the company into bankruptcy and made the more than 17,000 workers

redundant (para. 2-3)

Theoretical Framework

From a close examination of the core areas of Psychology; this study falls under the field

of Social Psychology. This area of Psychology deals with the study of how individuals think

about, influence and interact with one another. The researcher proposes to use the Functional

Theory, Conflict Theory and the Social Disorganization Theory to provide an understanding of

the problem under study.

A close examination of crime and low socio-economic status would show how power, the

unequal distribution of wealth and the imbalance of focus on the perpetrators of certain types of

crime, while ignoring those crimes committed by ‘significant’ others.

Conflict theorist purported that “most crime is either a form of rebellion by members of

the lower class in society or a form of illegal exploitation by the rich and the powerful”

(Kornblum, Julian, & Smith, 2007, 165). They have pointed out that unequal wealth, power and

status are the mitigating conditions for producing criminal behavior. Kornblum, et al. also cited

that the groups in society that find themselves in a less advantaged position that other groups,


like those who are poor and face the likelihood of some form of discrimination are more likely to

be rebellious against their circumstances.

Functionalists on the other hand hold the view that “crime stems from the uncertainty

about norms of proper conduct that accompanies rapid social change and social disorganization”

(Kornblum, et al. 2007, 165).

Social Disorganization theorists have cited that, crime is the product of the social forces

existing in inner city and low income areas. This leads to many guaranteed social problems.

The researcher in an effort to show that crime is not simply a function of low socio

economic has employed the use of the above theories in order to validate the claims. The

researcher will also show how it is by design that some of the governing authorities through their

legislation contribute to the biased focus on crimes committed by the poor while suppressing the

data on those committed by the rich.

Hypothesis

Alternate Hypothesis (Ha): Low socio-economic status plays a minimal role on levels of crime.

Null Hypothesis (Ho): Low socio-economic status has no significant impact on levels of crime.

Rational of the Study

The researcher chose to conduct this study in order to determine the link, if any between

crime and the socioeconomic life of a community and sees it as an area that is worth researching

for its relevance to current trends. The researcher believes that this study becomes more

pertinent since it is the firm belief in significant segments of the population, that the majority of

crimes committed in society are usually perpetrated by individuals who find themselves in the

low socio-economic bracket and the fact of a person’s poverty is an accurate indicator for his

propensity for criminal activities. This belief would seem to be an accurate one as it is


consistently portrayed by the media. The researcher will seek to use relevant statistics to

establish more accurate links and specifically investigate the problem in the context of Trinidad

and Tobago.

Significance of the Study

This study seeks to investigate the real causes of crime so that appropriate steps can be

taken to reduce crime. This study would reveal how the media focuses on the crimes committed

by the poor and which have a much smaller economic impact on society while suppressing the

statistics on white-collared crime, corporate crime and cyber crimes which have a much more

significant negative economic impact on society. The study will also provide enlightment for the

general populace as a whole and for the media in particular so that they will do more investigate

journalism as it relates to crime and socio-economic status. The beneficiaries of this research will

be Governmental policy makers, law enforcement authorities and social impact groups.

Operational Definitions

Crime: it is important to look at a comprehensive definition of crime that will prove useful for

this research. Musick (n.d) viewed definitions of crime as falling into two categories. He cited

the conventional definition as violation of criminal law and a more abstract definition that allows

crime to be broadly defined as any act or omission that impeded maximum human functioning

(as cited in Bryant ed., 2001, p.477).

Socio-economic Status: The position of an individual on a socioeconomic scale that measures

such factors as education, income, type of occupation, place of residence, and in some

populations, ethnicity and religion

Conflict Theory: views crime as a form of rebellion by members of the low socio-economic

bracket or a form of illegal exploitation by the rich and powerful.


Social Disorganization Theory: It is stated in this theory that crime is a product of social forces

that exists in inner cities and areas of low socio-economic status.

Functional Theory: This theory grows out of the uncertainty about norms of proper conduct that

accompanies rapid social change and social disorganization.

Crime Index: This is a measure generated to analyze crime statistics. In the US there are three

major crime indices including the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), the National

Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR).

Uniform Crime Report: The Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) contain official data on crime that

is reported to law enforcement agencies across the United States, who then provide the data to

the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). UCR focuses on index crimes, which include murder

and non-negligent manslaughter, robbery, forcible rape, aggravated assault, burglary,

larceny/theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. UCR is a summary-based reporting system, with

data aggregated to the city, county, state, and other geographic levels. Crime statistics are

compiled from UCR data and published annually by the FBI in the Crime in the United States

series. To address limitations of UCR, the FBI has developed the National Incident Based

Reporting System (NIBRS) system, which is also being deployed by law enforcement agencies.

Index Crime: This is divided into two sections namely Part I including; criminal homicide,

forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, arson and

Part II including; simple assaults, forgery and counterfeiting, fraud, embezzlement, buying/

receiving or possessing stolen property, vandalism, prostitution and commercialized vice, sex

offenses, drug abuse violations, offense against family and children, driving under the influence,

liquor law violations, drunkenness, disorderly conduct, vagrancy, curfew violations and loitering,

and running away.


Violent Crime: A violent crime or crime of violence is a crime in which the offender uses or

threatens to use violent force upon the victim. This entails both crimes in which the violent act is

the objective, such as murder, as well as crimes in which violence is the means to an end, such as

robbery.

Property Crime: This is a category of crime that includes burglary, larceny, theft, motor vehicle

theft, arson, shoplifting, and vandalism. Property crime only involves the taking of money or

property, and does not involve force or threat of force against a victim.

White Collar Crime: This is a phrase for a variety of frauds, schemes, and commercial offenses

by businesspersons, confidence men, and public officials. It includes a broad range of nonviolent

offenses that have cheating as their central element. Consumer fraud, bribery, and stock

manipulation are examples.

Corporate Crime: In criminology, corporate crime refers to crimes committed either by a

corporation (i.e., a business entity having a separate legal personality from the natural persons

that manage its activities), or by individuals that may be identified with a corporation or other

business entity.

Limitations and Delimitations

Limitations of the study included the time constraint experienced due to the shorter

semester so that the review of literature may have been less extensive than required for a study of

this nature. The resources available were also limited in the sense that some of the books cited in

literature that was reviewed were unavailable to the present study. Hence some useful sources

for information could not be accessed.

The research is delimited to the exact area under review and may not be generalized to any

similar study on crime and low socio-economic status.


CHAPTER TWO

OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE

This chapter places together the review of the literature and the reasons why the review

was done. The review is done to know and understand the existing body of knowledge form a

theoretical framework for the hypothesis, and to identify gaps in the knowledge.

The researcher for the purpose of this study has made use of four sets of literature

spanning from the year 1999 to 2007. The literature reviewed included books, encyclopedias and

internet sources.

Literature Reviewed

The literatures reviewed are discussed under the following sub-headings:

Definitions of Crime

To show the categories into which crime falls; according to Musick (n.d.) crime falls into

two categories; there is the general definition where crime is seen as the violation of criminal law

or the abstract definition which says that crime is any act or omission that affects human

functioning (as cited in Bryant ed., 2001, p. 477).

Maguire and Radosh (1999) stated that there are three more operational definitions which

are the legalistic which simply speaks to a violation of criminal law, the labeling which says that

no action in it self is criminal and the Harms-based which seek to treat as criminal any behavior

that is harmful.

The labeling definition of crime is proposed from the standpoint that no action is in

itself criminal. Crime therefore becomes behaviour defined as crime. Inherent in this definition is

the understanding that crime will always be defined by those with the power to define it. It


allows for similar actions to be treated differently based on who was involved, the place, reason,

witness, victim and other variables. Based on this definition Maguire and Radosh (1999) noted

that it created the possibility for the rich and powerful to be excused of behaviour that would be

considered criminal if done by the poor and powerless (p.20).

The harms-based definition seeks to treat as criminal any behaviour that is harmful.

Proponents of this definition have identified three areas of criminal behaviour. First, noted

Sociologist, Edwin Sutherland, proposed that White-collar crime was more harmful than

conventional crime and should be criminally prosecuted. Next, Criminologists, Herman and Julia

Schwendinger proposed a definition of crime as behaviour that violated human rights and thirdly,

Criminologist, Raymond Michalowshki spoke of Analogous forms of Social Injury. He called

for acts that are legal but whose consequences are similar to illegal acts and resulting in social

harm to be criminalized (pp. 20-22).

Shortcomings of the Definitions

To show that the three definitions and their components are all useful but all seem to have

flaws than on the one hand allow the justice system to discriminate as to who is an offender, or

on the other hand are so value driven that consensus may never be reached. The media however

does not seem to consider all of the merits of all of the definitions and hence the typical criminal

according to Maguire and Radosh (1999) remains young, black, poor, urban and male.

Types of Crimes and Criminals

This will show that the United States of America collects crime statistics on the most

frequently and serious occurring crimes under the Uniform Crime Report (UCR). This helps the

researcher to compare the various types of indexed crimes. The Index crimes are larceny,

burglary, motor vehicle theft, aggravated assault, robbery, forcible rape and murder. Kornblum


and Julien (2007) reported on the 2003 index. Kornblum and Julien (2007) stated that there are

problems associated with this index when they stated that the undereducated and minority groups

have become victims of selective law enforcement, stereotyping and misleading statistics.

Haralabmos and Holborn (2004) stated that white-collar crime and corporate

crimes are also included but pointed to the fact that official statistical reports did not give an

accurate picture of the delinquency among white collar workers. It was consistently observed

that offences committed by adults of high social status were not likely to be prosecuted. And

fraud, a common white collar crime led to extremely high financial costs to society.

Relative Cost of Crime in Society

To show the relative cost of various types of crime to society in and to be able to make a

comparison as it relates to the economic impact various types of crime have on society and there

are various reports on the cost of crime. Haralambos and Holborn (2004) reported on financial

statistics for crime in the United Kingdom by reporting on pension fund fraud etc. They also

gave an example of corporate fraud at a chemical plant in Bhopal, India in 1984.

Pertinent Opinion

In reviewing the literature by the authors, it has been noted that it has provided the

researcher with sufficient information and the necessary pertinent data to be able to carry out the

study. The researcher found that the literature was relevant and informative as they provided

supporting points and evidence to support the problem under study. The points presented were

pellucid and supported each other quite solidly. The methods used by the authors to gather the

evidence were appropriate for their purposes. The evidence presented helped to further support

the researcher’s belief that crime is simply not just a function of low socio-economic status. The


researcher believes that the authors used good evidence and statistical data in support of their

arguments.

It is the researcher’s opinion based on what was read that the consensus is the same

locally and globally that most of the crimes committed are perpetrated by those persons who are

in the low socio-economic bracket. The researcher seeks through this study to enlighten at least

those persons who would be exposed to the reading of this study and by extension the populace

of the wider community about the misconception about the impact of low socio-economic status

on crime.

State of the Art Summary

This research identified a social issue that is prevalent today. The link between poverty

and crime even though it may show a positive correlation is a partial view of the levels of crime

in the society. Many crimes committed by persons of higher socio-economic status are either

ignored by law enforcement or are not defined as crimes on the statute book.

The reality however is that the economic and human cost of white-collar crimes often far

outweigh the crimes of violence and property crimes typically committed by the underclass. An

understanding of the real issues involved in criminal activities will allow decision makers to

demonstrate greater sensitivity in the construction and enforcement of laws.


CHAPTER THREE

METHODS

This chapter consists of detailed information that pertains to the methods used to conduct

this research and for the gathering of information.

Description of the Subjects

The subjects the researcher would use in this research are mainly male and female

adolescents between the age range of 14 to 18 years and young adults between the ages of 20 to

35 years old. The subjects studied would be 120 persons from low socio-economic status. Of the

one hundred and twenty subjects, 48 would be females and 72 males.

Description of the Measures

The sampling technique that the researcher will utilize in gathering the relevant

information would be stratified random sampling. This involves dividing the sampling

population into groups in an effort to ensure that the sample is truly representative.

This study will take the form of a quantitative study making use of numerical data. In this

type of research, the information garnered from the participants would be set out in numerical

form. The process of measurement is central to quantitative research because it provides the

fundamental connection between empirical observation (field data) and mathematical expression

of quantitative relationships.

The researcher will make the use of questionnaires to acquire the data for this study. The

questionnaires will help to collect data that is measurable. The questionnaires will have a number

of pre-set questions. In this form of research all the questions would be identical and will be

presented to the respondents in the identical order so that the same information would be

collected from each member of the sample. In this questionnaire the questions would be designed


in such a way that it would give the age range of the respondents. This would be done on an age

range basis, for example, 15-19, 20-25, 26-30 and 31-35 etc.

Additionally, the aim of the questions would be to obtain information about the impact of

low socio-economic status on the crime rate. The questions in this questionnaire would be aimed

at determining the impact if any, of low socio-economic status on crime. The questions in the

questionnaire will be designed to assess the impact of low socio-economic status on the type of

crime committed, the propensity to commit crime, the influence of those in the high socio-

economic bracket on them committing crimes, profiling and other related topics of the study. The

researcher would provide the necessary explanations and instructions in the questionnaires in

order to ensure that the respondents have a clear understanding of what they are answering to.

Additionally, the questionnaire would be given to the respondents by the researcher. This

questionnaire is more or less aimed at generating qualitative data. The researcher proposes to use

Likert Scale Method in which a number of items are written to reflect construct or domain of

interest along a 5-point scale ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree. Each individual’s

response is summed up to derive a total score.

Variables

The two main variables identified by the researcher are low socio-economic status and

crime. The research design used by the researcher in conducting this study is co relational with

the independent variable being low socio-economic status and the dependent variable crime.

Dependent and independent variables refer to values that change in relationship to each

other. The dependent variables are the measures of behavior that are used to assess the effect, if

any, of the independent variables. The independent variables are the factor that the researcher

controls or manipulates in order to determine their effect on behavior. In summary then, “if x is


given, then y occurs”, where x represents the independent variable and y represents the

dependent variable.

Research Design

This research will be a descriptive study using the survey method; the researcher is here

interested in collecting information from a large group of individuals. The method used to gather

this information is the use of questionnaires, interviews or telephone contacts. Surveys are a

great and useful tool for collecting data on human characteristics, behavior, attitudes and

thoughts. Survey studies also have some inherent limitations such as, a single survey can

establish whether or not a relationship exists between two variables but it is not sufficient to

determine the direction of causality. Survey studies rely on self-reports, that is they depend on

the respondents’ honesty in answering truthfully and accurately on their characteristics and

attitudes.

Survey studies are subjected to some types of bias. Respondents are very aware that they

are being studied and as such may change their answers for some reason or another. This may be

done so that they can appear in a more favorable light to those who are studying or them or

maybe to conform to their expectations. However, If a survey is properly conducted, it would

accurately represent the opinions and judgments of a population.

Survey research is one of the most important areas of measurement in applied social

research. The broad area of survey encompasses any measurement procedures that involve

asking respondents questions.

In essence, the conducting of a scientific survey should not be undertaken lightly. This

method of research requires careful, systematic research and planning. It is a labor intensive

exercise and can take many weeks to implement and analyze. Since the nature of this study


requires collection of data on a fairly large scale, the survey method is used in order to get

sufficient information for the problem under study.

Research Procedure

Prior to the conducting of this research, the researcher would seek to get the necessary

documentation necessary from the relevant authorities that give the approval for conducting the

research. This letter of authorization would show that the researcher’s purpose for conducting the

research is solely for the purpose of gathering information from the respondents for research

purposes and not for anything else.

The researcher would make use of a pilot study as a pretest for the questionnaire and thus

be able to determine its reliability or validity. This pilot study is not intended to investigate

directly or to test the research hypothesis. The researcher will use the pilot study to be able to

justify the number of participants required for the research. It is also intended to answer any

questions of whether or not a trial or experiment if worthy of being pursued. The pilot study

would seek to provide details on how to pursue the experiment and it would include evidence for

its classification as a pilot study.

The researcher would conduct the survey after accepting informed comment to conduct

it. Questionnaires would be used. When the survey is completed the researcher would record the

information collected, analyze it and thereafter prepare the report of the findings.

Analytical Techniques

Quantitative analysis would be used to analyze the data. In this analysis, the researcher

proposes to make use of the computer assisted software program, Statistical Packages for the

Social Sciences (SPSS). This study is co relational in nature. To that end the best method of

analysis to be used in this type of study is Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient. Pearson’s


Correlation Coefficient tells if there is a linear relationship between two measurement variables,

how good the relationship is, if the relationship is positive or negative. It also gives an equation

for a straight line so that one score can be predicted from another.


BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bryant, C. D. (2001). In the encyclopedia of criminology and deviant behavior Vol I. Philadelphia: Brunner-Routledge.

Carter, D. L. (2002). The Police and the Community (7th ed.). New Jersey: Pearson, Education, Inc.

Fielding, N. G., Clarke, A., & Witt, R. (2000). The economic dimensions of crime. New York: Palgrave.

Haralambos, M., & Holborn, M. (2004). Sociology themes and perspectives (6th ed.). London: Harper Collins.

Kornblum, W., & Julian, J. (2007). Social problems (12th ed.). New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.

Maguire, B., & Radosh, P. (1999). Introduction to criminology. Belmont: West/Wadsworth.

Needleman, S. (2006, September 26). One Minute-Manager Guru on Leadership for M.B.A.s. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved June 02, 2008 from http://online.Wsj.com/article/C60926NEEDLEMAN.html.

World-Class Scandal at WorldCom (2002, June 26). CBS NEWS. Retrieved June 02,2008 from http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/06/26/national/main513473.shtml.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/06/26/national/main513473

http://online/


APPENDIX A

QUESTIONS FOR RESEARCH

1. Are more crimes committed by poorer people than by richer people?

2. What types of crimes do poor people commit?

3. What type of crimes do richer people commit?

4. What is the nature of the crime-ridden areas of the local society?

5. How do the persons who live in these communities perceive the crime rate?

6. What is the bias of the media in the reporting of crimes in the society? Are there obvious

crimes committed by the upper class that are not reported in the media?

7. How do we then define crime to include all acts that may prove harmful to society?

8. What is the true cost of crime to society?

9. To what extent are upper class people prosecuted for their crimes?

10. What is the true relationship between poverty and crime?


APPENDIX B

SAMPLE QUESTIONNAIRE

An assignment presented in partial fulfillment for the course PSYS432. This research

focuses on the relationship between low socio-economic status and crime in the society. The aim

is to ascertain whether the media driven perspective on crime………The participants are advised

to respond to the questions in the most honest and sincere ways. Al information would be kept

confidential. Please indicate with a tick [√] where applicable.

Demographic Information

1. Age Range

[ ] 15 – 19

[ ] 20 – 25

[ ] 26 – 30

[ ] 31 – 40

[ ] 40+

2. Gender

[ ] Male

[ ] Female

3. Level of school completed:

[ ] Primary School [ ] Secondary School

[ ] Junior College (two years) [ ] Four-year College

[ ] Post Graduate [ ] Other ________________________ (please state)


4. Yearly family Income

[ ] $18,000 - $24,000 [ ] $25,000 - $40,000

[ ] $41,000 - $65,000 [ ] $66,000 - $98,000

[ ] $99,000 - $140,000 [ ] $141,000 - $192,000

[ ] $192,000+

SECTION B - IMPACT OF CRIME – PERSONAL SAFETY

5. Please circle the degree to which you feel:

Low High

A. Safe in your home at night 1 2 3 4 5

B. Safe in your street at night 1 2 3 4 5

C. Safe in a park at night 1 2 3 4 5

D. Safe in a maxi at night 1 2 3 4 5

E. Safe in a taxi at night 1 2 3 4 5

6. Please indicate how often you carry a particular weapon for protection:

Never Routinely

A. Mace or pepper spray 1 2 3 4 5

B. A Baton 1 2 3 4 5

C. A Taser (Stun Gun) 1 2 3 4 5

D. A Knife 1 2 3 4 5

E. A Gun 1 2 3 4 5

7. Please indicate the degree to which you have been victimized by the particular crime:

Never Routinely

A. Assault and battery 1 2 3 4 5


B. Burglary 1 2 3 4 5

C. Rape 1 2 3 4 5

D. Larceny theft 1 2 3 4 5

E. Motor vehicle theft 1 2 3 4 5

F. Fraud 1 2 3 4 5

G. Counterfeiting 1 2 3 4 5

H. Vandalism 1 2 3 4 5

I. Drugs 1 2 3 4 5

J. Drunken Driving 1 2 3 4 5

SECTION C – FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SAFETY

8. Please indicate the degree to which a family member has been victimized by the

particular crime:

Never Routinely



C. Rape 1 2 3 4 5



F. Fraud 1 2 3 4 5



I. Drugs 1 2 3 4 5



9. Please indicate the degree to which a community member you know has been victimized

by the particular crime.

Never Routinely



C. Rape 1 2 3 4 5



F. Fraud 1 2 3 4 5



I. Drugs 1 2 3 4 5


SECTION D – PERSONAL PERCEPTION OF CRIME & INVOLVEMENT IN CRIME

10. Please indicate the extent to which each of the following applies:

Low High

A. My community is crime infested 1 2 3 4 5

B. The media accurately reports crime inMy community 1 2 3 4 5

C. Community members feel disadvantaged 1 2 3 4 5

D. The police are helpful to the community 1 2 3 4 5

E. Crimes in the community are quicklyReported to the Police 1 2 3 4 5

F. Community members are fearful to go out

at night 1 2 3 4 5


11. Please indicate the extent to which you have been involved with the particular crime:

Never High

A. Vandalism 1 2 3 4 5


C. Assault and Battery 1 2 3 4 5

D. Theft 1 2 3 4 5

E. Drunken Driving 1 2 3 4 5

F. Abuse 1 2 3 4 5

G. Robbery 1 2 3 4 5

H. Rape 1 2 3 4 5

I. Non negligent manslaughter 1 2 3 4 5

J. Wounding with Intent 1 2 3 4 5

K. Murder 1 2 3 4 5

12. Please list some crimes that occur in your community but are never punished:

A. __________________________________

B. __________________________________

C. __________________________________

D. __________________________________

E. __________________________________

THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE!



APPENDIX C

VARIABLES

CONCEPTUAL MODEL

Figure 1.1

Figure 1.1 represents the relationship between low socio-economic status and crime.

This model illustrates how the variables of this research are associated. There are three

variables in this chart. The first variable is low socio-economic status. The second variable

represents other factors. The third variable is the level of crime. This diagram simply illustrates

that low socio-economic status leads to an increase in crime levels. However, it is not the only

factor implicated in high crime levels and may not even be significant in the levels of crime

reported.

LOW SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS

OTHER FACTORS

HIGH LEVELS OF CRIME