Term Paper: Do Crime Rates Increase When Unemployment Does?

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Do crime rates increase when unemployment does?
Ellis, Hyacinthe. Identifying crime correlates in a developing society: A study of socio-economic and socio-demographic contributions to crime in Jamaica, 1950-1984. Lang, 1991.
Summary
Increased rate of unemployment among the youth and women significantly raise the cases of criminal activities and violence, particularly in Jamaica. This is a study carried out by the Jamaica Constabulary Force's Research, Planning and Legal Services Branch. The 2014 study revealed that persons aged 15 to 24 years account for about 19.5 percent of the entire population of the Jamaica. The aim and objective of this study were to uncover the relevant policy to be implemented to tackle the menace of crimes and violence among the youth. Most importantly the study aimed to determine the most vulnerable population in terms of committing violence. The reports from the study would be adopted by the policymakers in the republic of Jamaica to design policies suitable for taming and reducing violence as well as unemployment.
Methodology
The study adopted cross-sectional study designs. Secondary data was used in making an analysis. The data was retrieved from the relevant ministers of labor and other relevant courts information. In some cases, primary data was also collected to validate secondary. Face to face interviews with the targeted population was imperative in getting firsthand information. Probing for more information and clarification and information was also adopted. In some cases, the researchers were forced to administer questionnaires meanwhile some data were obtained through live recording during interviews with the key informants. The data collected was then recorded and presented in tables and charts. This was later taken to the experts to analysis and write the report about the rate of unemployment and the criminal activities.
Results and findings
The study indicated that Kingston and St Andrew, combined, accounted for over 51 percent of active gangs in Jamaica. This was followed by St Catherine with around 13 percent while St James and Clarendon had got 10 percent and 7 percent respectively. According to the JFC's crime data reports, the above parishes have consistently accounted for an increase of about 73 percent of the total violence activities and shootings in the entire Jamaica for nearly a decade. The researchers further reported that based on the 2011 population census of Jamaica, male youth population was the most pronounced in the townships of Kingston, St Andrew, and other towns. The numbers of youths aged between 15 to 19 years who have been reported for various criminal activities have increased. However, the trends were observed to be declining for the youths aged 20 to 24 years.
Discussion
The study revealed that frustrations in the quest for sustainable and dignified life have prompted youth and young women to violence. Youths with a high expectation of living are disappointed and frustrated with a harsh economic crisis. Quite often, learned youths with formal skills from college are forced to live desperate life despite their high expectations in the society. Despite the several attempts and formal jobs applications, th...