Poverty, Economic Underdevelopment and Crime - An interlinked Analysis

One of the most principal issues facing the world today is poverty, which directly hinders economic growth and creates environments that lead to an increase in crime. This essay examines the relationship between poverty and underdevelopment, highlighting the ways in which economic stagnation impedes sustainable growth and maintains social inequality. Limited access to jobs, healthcare, and education hinders the development of human capital in countries where poverty is pervasive, which lowers productivity and creativity. Such fundamental flaws impede the development of resilient and inclusive economic systems.
The study also looks at how poverty affects crime, pointing out that those who are struggling financially frequently turn to illegal activity as a way to survive or advance in society. Lack of social protection, high unemployment, and income inequality all contribute to conditions where crime is both a symptom and an effect of systemic underdevelopment. Economic backwardness is reinforced by the cyclical relationship between poverty and crime, which destabilises communities, deters investment, and erodes public confidence in government. Goal 1 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) which talks about ending poverty in all its forms everywhere, this study emphasises the urgent need for integrated policy interventions. In addition to bolstering economic underpinnings, addressing poverty promotes social cohesiveness, lowers crime, and opens the door to sustainable growth.

Poverty, Underdevelopment, Crime, Economic stagnation, Social inequality

1. Agrawal, AN., 1985. Indian Economy, New Delhi, Vani Educational Books. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Allen, R.C., 1996. Socioeconomic conditions and property crime: A comprehensive review and test of the professional literature. American Journal of Economics and Sociology, 55(3), pp.293-308. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Bharadwaj, A., 2014. Is poverty the mother of crime? Empirical evidence of the impact of socioeconomic factors on crime in India. Atlantic Review of Economics, 1. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Dhar, P.K., 2007. Higher Secondary Economics, Assam, Ashomi Prakashani. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Mishra, S.N., 2006. Indian Penal Code, Allahabad, Central Law Publications. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Myneni, S.R., 2006. Law and Poverty, Faridabad, Allahabad Law Agency. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Paranjape, N.V., 2008 Criminology and Penology, Allahabad, Central Law Publications. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Assessment of the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Repositioning TVET for Economic Development in Nigeria
• Teachers’ Use of Assure Model Instructional Design on Learners’ Problem Solving Efficacy in Secondary Schools in Bungoma County, Kenya
• “E-Booksan Ang Kaalaman”: Development, Validation, and Utilization of Electronic Book in Academic Performance of Grade 9 Students in Social Studies
• Analyzing EFL University Students’ Academic Speaking Skills Through Self-Recorded Video Presentation
• Major Findings of The Study on Total Quality Management in Teachers’ Education Institutions (TEIs) In Assam – An Evaluative Study