Individual Perception of Crime - 1349 Words

. There are a variety of variables that will affect the way a person views crime. The most common factors are race and ethnicity, religion, social class, education, and ethics. These variables are the most common way to differentiate the belief structures our society possess . Our belief systems are not innate, they are set in place; it is a learned ideal. In essence, a person’s perception of crime is based on their upbringing and background. Race and ethnicity play a major role in the way crime is perceived. One race may look at crime in a completely different manner than any other race. For instance, blacks may look at a crime differently than whites or Hispanics. Likewise, Muslims in the United States†¦show more content†¦Offenders of a poorer class may view crime completely different than an upper class person. Robbery, drug dealing, theft, murder may all be viewed as a way of life to a lower class individual. Most gang members are lower class and they see this kind of activity as a necessary action to survive. These criminal infractions are how they feed their family, so they will not bat their eye when it comes to committing such offenses. They are merely a way of life and stigmas attached to their class system. These same crimes are committed by those of upper class but their motives are out of haste or greed opposed to necessity. The victims of lower class crime are more likely to accept the off ense as a way of life for their demographics. They are also more likely to settle the issue themselves rather than ask for assistance from law enforcement. Snitching in these situations is likely to get the victims hurt worse or killed. Street justice is often practiced in lower class crimes and crime itself becomes a viscous circle. Upper class victims are more likely to not accept such offense as a way of life and will seek justice from law enforcement. They are generally more cooperative with police because they do not fear law enforcement or retaliation for talking to law enforcement. . . Education is another variable in which people will view criminal acts. This ideaShow MoreRelatedDeterrence Theory And Its Effect On The Individual s Perception Of The Crime Essay1147 Words   |  5 Pagesaddressed to encompass the crime. Deterrence theory understands that when there is a low likelihood of getting caught or the punishment is minimal it will not deter the individual from the crime. This theory theorizes the individual as a rational actor who understand the penalties and can logically think and control their actions accordingly. Shoplifters may not be informed of the likelihood of detection, risks, or other punishments of the crime. In this theory: Perceptions of sanction threats areRead MoreHow Individual s Perception Of Crime Has Changed Between Week 2 And Week 92001 Words   |  9 PagesDuring this essay, the aim is to look at how individual’s perception of crime has changed between Week 2 and Week 9. This will be conducted using surveys and graphs to support our findings. Once findings the results a comparison will then be made. At the end of the essay, reflective questions will then be answered based on the findings and knowledge throughout. The topic area that has been chosen in this study is Men vs Women (Gender and Crime). This topic has been chosen due to being the one withRead MoreRace And Racial Relations : Racial Discrimination, Profiling, Criminalization, And Neighborhood Context Essay1490 Words   |  6 Pagesgreatly improved within the last century, or even the last sixty years, racial perceptions still persist. 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