Preventing crimes is one of the biggest issues for governments all over the world. There are two ways to decrease the crime rate: improving living conditions or making punishments harsher. Which way is better? Undoubtedly, both methods are effective. This essay will explain each point and state my own opinion.
It cannot be denied that a high quality of life significantly reduces crime rates, especially violent crime. Poverty is one of the most common reasons for committing crimes. Improving living conditions, such as safe access to food and accommodation, well-paid jobs, and developed infrastructure, helps people focus on self-development, career, or family. Individuals no longer have to think about mere survival, and they have fewer reasons to commit crimes. For example, Europe has some of the best living conditions in the world and one of the lowest crime rates.
On the other hand, a society completely free of punishments cannot exist. The consequences of crimes should be significant enough to deter potential criminals. There are always individuals within any community who might continue committing crimes due to greed, anger, or a desire for revenge. Severe punishment must instill fear in such individuals to prevent them from becoming criminals. For instance, China has some of the harshest punishments for corruption, and as a result, one of the lowest levels of this type of crime.
In my opinion, both methods are effective, and one cannot exist without the other. Governments should combine them while avoiding excessive violence or softness related to punishments.