Factors That Affect The Criminal Behavior Of Young Adults

Crime can affect everyone, both directly and indirectly. Unfortunately, among the number of people who commit crimes, a large number of these are young adults. This is why it is important to understand criminal behavior and the causes of it, with the hope that it is possible to change the factors causing the act to reduce crime. Nevertheless, it is also important to remember that understanding and working against the factors causing criminal behavior will not necessarily eliminate corruption in our communities.

Speculations In Research

The study of criminal behavior has always been debated, and plenty of possible factors have been suggested and studied throughout the world. Physiological factors such the skin color and skull size have also been said to be associated with the behavior.

However, each country that utilizes extensive research and studies offers different reasons or factors contributing to the criminal behavior that young adults can have. Some countries present studies that emphasize the various demographic factors, while other countries emphasize the individual wealth concept that leads to crime. Overall, the most current study highlights factors in socio-economic status, gender, and age, including specific health disorders that are associated with criminal behavior.

Gender

Compared to females, young male adults makes are more likely to commit crimes. This is mainly due to the difference in hormones, where testosterone show a more violent and risky behavior. The social behavior of males is also said to contribute to the attitude males have to appear more robust than females. The younger the male, the stronger the encouragement to appear tougher is promoted among peers. However, some crimes are being carried out by females, which are mostly linked to prostitution. Perhaps this is also one of the changes in recent years as women are becoming more independent and vocal.

Age

Most young adults that are associated with crime are often in their teens to early twenties. And crime activity is then noticed to decrease while the age increases, possibly because of the responsibilities an older male adult will have. However, this is not the case for all crimes, as other crimes require extensive organizing and planning, which older adults are more capable of doing. Thus, crimes that are carried out by impulse are more likely to be done by younger adults.

Location

Aside from the gender and age, the area where a young adult grows up in can affect his behavior. Lower economic status neighborhoods usually have a trend in criminal behavior, compared to well off regions. The more violent or troubled an area is, the more likely a child can turn into a young adult with criminal behavior. Communities that have gangs have a higher incidence of violent crime involving alcohol, drugs, and even firearms.

Prevention

Theories may be uncertain facts, but they are useful in determining possible ways on how to prevent criminal behavior. Prevention must be done at a very young age if a child is growing up in a troubled neighborhood. Academic and economic opportunities must be made available in the community as a productive alternative, reducing the possibility of people turning to crime as a past time and source of income.