Socio-Economic Determinants of Crime: A Case Study of District Prison of Vehari

Abstract

This study is crucial for understanding the intricate relationship between socio-economic factors and criminal behavior. This research shows how various socioeconomic conditions, such as employment status, education attainment, and social inequality, influence crime rates in Vehari. Gaining insights into these determinants is essential for developing targeted and effective strategies to reduce crime and improve social stability in the district. This study investigates the determinants of crime in district Vehari by testing 15 hypotheses related to crime-related and socioeconomic factors using cross-tabulation analysis and chi-square tests. Data was collected from 169 prisoners at district jail Vehari through simple random sampling. The study reveals that property crimes are more prevalent than violent crimes, with offenders serving shorter sentences for property crimes. Social factors significantly influence both types of crime, with property crime offenders showing higher levels of regret and being less influenced by inmate interactions compared to their violent crime counterparts. In contrast, violent crime offenders tend to come from nuclear families, live in urban areas, and have somewhat better educational backgrounds. Chi-square tests confirm that crime type is significantly associated with offence frequency, sentence duration, crime motivations, education level, distrust, social deprivation, and family relationships. However, crime type is not significantly related to prisoner remorse or interactions with other inmates, family type, area of residence, or relationship with the household head.