Social Issues in the United Kingdom Crime Cycle 3_Social Exclusion and Crime

Picture in time What might have happened before the photo was taken? What might be happening now? What may happen after?

Learning Intentions: Be able to write a definition of social exclusion Consider and conclude whether there is a link between social exclusion and crime

What factors might come together to cause social exclusion?

How is it related to crime? Statistics show that both offenders and victims of crimes often suffer from one or more aspects of social exclusion. For example, an offender may come from a childhood of poverty, or a victim may be a gang member excluded from mainstream society.

Evidence: Government figures show that the 5% most disadvantaged are 100 times more likely to have multiple problems than the most advantaged 50%. Problems such as conduct disorders, police contact, cannabis use, mood disorders and alcohol abuse.

Explain the link between social exclusion and crime. What do government figures show? Explain in your own words.

Children and Young people: at risk of Poverty & or Social Exclusion Are considered dependents, meaning that they are reliant on adults. A boy born in one of the most deprived areas of the UK has a life expectancy 14 years below that of boys born in the least deprived areas. 36,367 children in the Glasgow City Council areas are living below the relative poverty line Since 2008, the number of under 25s who are unemployed in Scotland has almost doubled to 90,000.

Social Exclusion and Community Some communities or neighbourhoods are more affected than others by financial deprivation, lack of jobs, poor public transport, and low-quality schools and housing. This type of ‘concentration’ of disadvantage can give an area a negative reputation leaving the people in it feeling isolated with limited opportunities. Concentrated poverty usually occurs in urban areas, dominated by council housing. There may be only a few drug dealers operating in the deprived area, but this means many more people will be coming to the community to buy drugs, intimidating neighbours and perhaps committing other offences while they are there. Low income households are more likely than richer households to feel dissatisfied with the area they live in. Residents of council estates regard crime as a more serious local problem than any other group, although affluent urban areas, often near council estates, also regard it as the key issue affecting local quality of life.

Heading: Social exclusion and crime at the community level 1. What does ‘concentration’ of disadvantage mean? 2. Explain why council estates are often connected to higher crime. Hint: Use the bullet points to provide evidence to support what you say. Stick previous slide in your jotter and use the information to answer the questions:

Crime and Social Exclusion Factlfile Income 72% of prisoners were in receipt of benefits immediately before entering prison. Health 60% to 70% of prisoners were using drugs before imprisonment. Education 49% of male and 33% female sentenced prisoners were excluded from school. 89% of men and 84% of women in prison left school at 16 or younger. 52% of men and 71% of women in prison have no qualifications (compared to 15% of the general population). Employment 67% of prisoners were unemployed in the 4 weeks before imprisonment (compared to 5% in the general population). Housing 4.7% of prisoners report sleeping rough immediately prior to imprisonment (compared to.001% of the general population). 32% of prisoners were not living in permanent accommodation prior to imprisonment. Children 7% of school children experience their father being sent to prison.

Create a spider diagram: Social exclusion Income 72% of prisoners were in receipt of benefits immediately before entering prison Include one piece of evidence, with each heading. Income is completed already.

REFLECT: Use your knowledge gained this lesson cycle to complete the following exam question. Social exclusion and poverty often lead to youth crime. Explain, in detail, why social exclusion and poverty often lead to youth crime. 8 Think about why social exclusion and poverty often lead to crime, then make the youth crime connection. For an 8 mark question you need 4 paragraphs, that means 4 points with explanations and examples.

Point Explain Example Point Explain Example Social exclusion and poverty can lead to youth crime because of lack of income. Evidence shows that 72% of prisoners were in receipt of benefits immediately before entering prison. This tells us that the majority of inmates were on a low income and since 2008, the number of under 25s who are unemployed in Scotland has almost doubled to 90,000. Poverty can lead to youth crime because people have no money. Most people in prison used to claim benefits and youth unemployment is high. Identify the answer with full marks and the one, with minimum marks. Be ready to give several reasons for your answer.

The second reason why social exclusion and poverty may cause youth crime is lack of qualifications make it difficult to get a job. A young person could be living in poverty through no fault of their own and may see crime as the only way out. 5% most disadvantaged are 100 times more likely to have multiple problems than the most advantaged 50%. Another reason why social exclusion and poverty may cause youth crime is lack of a positive role model. If young people are not taught right from wrong they may be more likely to commit crime. Evidence shows 7% of school children see their father sent to prison. This may cause a feeling of exclusion and make the young person more likely to commit crime. A further reason why social exclusion and poverty may cause a young person to commit crime is they are in a social group that is vulnerable. A young person may see crime as a means to survive. Children and young people are dependent on their parents to provide a comfortable life, yet 36,367, children in the Glasgow City Council areas are living below the relative poverty line.