"Do you think that our society breeds criminals in the lower social stratas?"?

Question

"Do you think that our society breeds criminals in the lower social stratas?"?

Answer 1

I think society does do this in a sense yes. A lot of work has been done in recent history within sociology which discusses the disproportionate levels of incaraceration for poor blacks in the US and traces some of the potential causes through a variety of social institutions. I also think the way that labeling of what deviance is can directly or indirectly end up putting certain people in the line of criminality.

Whether or not this is an intentional process is probably a contentious issue, but i think a casual observer could see the way crime is prosecuted and draw the conclusion that currently criminals are being found far more frequently in the lower social stratas than the ones above. This isnt to say i believe there is something deviant about these groups, i rather feel its the previously mentioned issues which are more of the cause.

Answer 2

No I do not.  The criminal mind can be found across all socio-economic lines.  This has been clearly documented and studied.  Even though an agrument can be made that in the lower social strata there would be more "inducement" for a criminal, i.e., high unemployment rates, underperforming public school system, un/undereducated population.  But generally, I think those demographics are more closely evaluated even though you find a lot of "white-collar" criminals as well, but those crimes are not as "tintilating" or "newsworthy" for the media.

Answer 3

No, criminals come from every social stratas.  I bet you have even broken the law more than once.  You probably just didn't get caught.  I am considered low income, and I do not brake the law on purpose.  I'm sure I have went over the speed limit once or twice.  I came from an upper middle class family, I am college educated with a B.S. in Elementary Education, however, my family has been going through financial struggles.