Poverty, Inequality and the Social Causes of Crime: A Study between United States and Europe

Crime can be defined in many ways, most simply as the breach of the rules that govern society. There are numerous variables related to crime. These include poverty levels, family stability, individual and societal health, social and cultural background, along with geographic, demographic and political considerations. It is further argued that there exists a clear correlation between crime rates and inequality. This paper will examine and explain the main reasons behind the current trends in increasing crime rates in the United States and Europe and explore possible solutions to combat these trends.