There is a school of thought that criminal activities stem from individuals’ living environment such as poverty or social issues. Others argue that the human tendency to commit crimes is attributed to their evil innate characteristics. While the latter statement seems to be justified, I lean towards the circumstances that drive people to partake in crime.
On the one hand, it seems to be true that people are predisposed to engage in criminal activities as a result of their personality traits and moral compass. Specifically, these individuals may find it difficult to abide by the law and have a natural inclination toward aggression, violence, and rule-breaking. As these people have a choice in their actions, in many cases, they tend to carry out crimes regardless of their upbringing and environment. Some researches show that serial killers tend to carry out violent behaviors and sadistic crimes as they find pleasure and enjoyment in such activities.
However, social factors that drive people to engage in crime should not be underestimated. Indeed, those who grow up in impoverished regions often lack access to education, employment, or healthcare, and such low living standards can put a burden on their shoulders to survive. As a result, these people may turn into criminals as a means of survival or to escape from their circumstances. Many studies have shown that the crime rate is disproportionally high in deprived areas where people resort to criminal activities such as theft or drug dealing to make ends meet. In addition, those who have witnessed violence from their communities in their childhood also have a predisposition to engage in crimes. For example, a child who is frequently exposed to domestic violence may come to view it as a normal part of their life and is likely to become an offender when they get older or replicate such behaviors in their relationships.
In conclusion, while some people argue that the majority of crimes are attributed to human predisposition toward violence and antisocial behaviors, I hold the view that it is socioeconomic factors that drive people to commit crimes. It is recommended that the government should promote incentives to enhance the living standard of the citizens to prevent high levels of crime.