Critical Thinking

Part I

Chapter 2 Critical Thinking Question

What social and environmental factors do you believe influence the crime rate? For example, do you think a national emergency such as September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks would increase or decrease crime rates?

Social and environmental factors play a significant role in the crime rate. The way we interact with people many times dictates our behavior. This is commonly known as peer pressure. Society and our need to belong to a part of it contribute to crime in many ways. For example, if we look at different sectors of society, we can see that crime is dictated by the social interaction within that sector. Looking at Los Angeles, many individuals are born into the gang life. Naturally in that area, gang related crime becomes prevalent and the standard by which many people will live. Individuals may be caught in the cross fire simply because they are associated with gang members. In turn, they may feel the need to retaliate. Socializing with individuals who rationalize their violent behavior may in some cases influence others to do the same.

The environmental factors create a much different problem. The environment one grows up in can create pressure, much like, social but the thought process may be different. Abraham Maslow developed a theory that states that people have needs they need to fulfill. (1) The 5 needs that must be fulfilled are Physiological, Safety, Needs of Love, Affection and Belongingness, Needs for Esteem and Self-Actualization. The terms may vary from source to source but the meaning remains the same. Although, the question refers the September 11th, a more recent emergency we can refer to is Hurricane Katrina. When we look at the environment in aftermath, basics human needs such as food, water and shelter were scarce. In a desperate attempt to sustain their lives, many turned to violence and looting.

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