PROFESSOR0:

Crime. Vandalism. Anti-social behavior. We've all seen, or been a victim of, at least one of these at some point in our lives. But what are the root causes of these social problems?

Crime. Vandalism. Anti-social behavior. We've all seen, or been a victim of, at least one of these at some point in our lives. But what are the root causes of these social problems?
PROFESSOR1:

Is it just that some people are bad, and some are good? Or do the causes go deeper than that, to how our society treats its people? Basically, the three main causes of crime are: poverty, family environment and living conditions. Poverty, to a greater or lesser extent, is often a cause of crime. Your family, their social and financial position and how they bring you up also has a huge influence.

Is it just that some people are bad, and some are good? Or do the causes go deeper than that, to how our society treats its people? Basically, the three main causes of crime are: poverty, family environment and living conditions. Poverty, to a greater or lesser extent, is often a cause of crime. Your family, their social and financial position and how they bring you up also has a huge influence.
PROFESSOR2:

But the third major factor and the one that's often neglected is: living conditions. In urban areas nowadays, we seem to live on top of each other rather than beside each other. Many inner city areas are run down and deprived. Broken windows and graffiti are the everyday decorations to people's living environment. If you think about it, it's no wonder that people begin to disrespect their environment and disrespect each other.

But the third major factor and the one that's often neglected is: living conditions. In urban areas nowadays, we seem to live on top of each other rather than beside each other. Many inner city areas are run down and deprived. Broken windows and graffiti are the everyday decorations to people's living environment. If you think about it, it's no wonder that people begin to disrespect their environment and disrespect each other.
PROFESSOR3:

So, here's a question for you. If the living conditions in the poorest areas of our cities were improved, would there be an increase or a decrease in crime? If communities had wide open spaces where people could relax and talk to each other, not dark alleyways and high rise living spaces. If we used every available space to plant trees and flowers, instead of using every available space to lay down more concrete .... If play areas, parks and affordable sports facilities were provided for communities, giving people something healthy to do ....

So, here's a question for you. If the living conditions in the poorest areas of our cities were improved, would there be an increase or a decrease in crime? If communities had wide open spaces where people could relax and talk to each other, not dark alleyways and high rise living spaces. If we used every available space to plant trees and flowers, instead of using every available space to lay down more concrete ... If play areas, parks and affordable sports facilities were provided for communities, giving people something healthy to do ...
PROFESSOR4:

Do you really think crime would rise? Of course, causes of crime are not simplistic, they are inter-connected and deep-rooted. However, the way people behave in their environment has a lot to do with how their environment behaves towards them. If I love and respect where I live, then I may just love and respect others and myself that bit more.

Do you really think crime would rise? Of course, causes of crime are not simplistic, they are inter-connected and deep-rooted. However, the way people behave in their environment has a lot to do with how their environment behaves towards them. If I love and respect where I live, then I may just love and respect others and myself that bit more.