Final answer:
The statement is generally in line with theories like social disorganization theory, which suggest that socio-economic hardships, such as poverty and lack of educational opportunities, can contribute to higher crime rates in lower socioeconomic classes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that 'Crime is more common among lower classes and poor young people because of fewer legitimate opportunities for success' aligns with certain criminological theories, particularly social disorganization theory and perspectives emphasizing the impact of socio-economic factors on crime.
According to social disorganization theory, crime is most likely to occur in communities with weak social ties and the absence of social control. High poverty rates, lack of access to quality education, unemployment, and social exclusion can all reduce the perceived opportunity costs of crime, thus making illegal activities seem more appealing.
Several pertinent factors contribute to the prevalence of crime in impoverished areas. It is observed that areas with high rates of poverty, income inequality, and social instability often have elevated crime rates. Poor neighborhoods, especially those with a transient and heterogeneous population, struggle to establish effective social control, creating an environment more conducive to criminal behaviors.
Moreover, the cost-benefit analysis points to poverty and limited educational opportunities as critical factors reducing the opportunity costs of crime. For instance, in areas where legitimate employment opportunities are scarce or poorly remunerated, individuals might find illegal activities financially more rewarding. This reasoning is supported by evidence linking crime rates to economic factors such as unemployment and low wages.
However, it is also essential to acknowledge the complexity of crime causation, including the potential influence of individual characteristics and broader structural issues such as systemic racism and social policies. Thus, while socio-economic hardships can contribute to higher crime rates among the poor, it is not a universal rule, and multiple factors should be considered when evaluating the causes of crime.