Economic challenges among key factors for crime - Expert
While economic challenges can cause someone to get involved in a crime, it cannot be used as a justification.
SHAH ALAM - Crime often arises from multiple factors, with economic challenges being a major contributor, but it is not the sole reason for criminal activities.
Criminologist D. Shankar said money played a huge role nowadays when it came to fulfilling basic needs or even seeking a luxurious life, basic education or healthcare.
He said the current global economic situation, characterised by fewer job opportunities, widespread layoffs and inflation has worsened the difficulties for certain groups, potentially driving some individuals towards criminal activity.
Economic challenges, he said could also be observed across the globe, not only in Malaysia.
Talking about the mindset of people involved in crime, Shankar said criminals often weighed the benefits and risks before engaging in illegal activities.
"Criminals always look into two aspects; what they will gain and the risks involved.
"If a person sees more benefits, like getting more money, avoid being caught and having a better life after the crime, they are more likely to get involved," he said when contacted.
However, Shankar said if the risks, such as getting caught and not having a better life, outweighed the benefits, they may avoid the crime.
He also pointed out the different reasons behind white-collar crimes like corruption, money laundering and embezzlement compared to those driving lower-class individuals to crime.
"Professionals or politicians committing white-collar crimes are usually driven by greed. They already have money but wanted more.
"On the other hand, lower-class individuals often turn to crime out of necessity. They need money to support their families," he said.
While acknowledging the impact of economic factors, Shankar cautioned against using them as a blanket justification for criminal behavior.
"We can agree that economic consequences can cause someone to get involved in a crime, but we cannot use that as a justification.
"Everyone is working hard nowadays. If we were to justify economic hardship, we would see far more criminals," he said.
