Age as a Factor in Criminal Behaviour

Age is a significant factor that can influence criminal behaviour in various ways. This essay will explore how different age groups exhibit varying propensities for specific types of crime due to social, psychological, and biological factors.

Youth and Criminal Behaviour

Young people are statistically more likely to engage in criminal activity than older age groups. Several factors contribute to this trend.

Youth Sub-cultures and Gangs: Young individuals are particularly susceptible to the influence of peer pressure and the allure of belonging to a group. This can lead them to join sub-cultures or gangs where criminal activity is normalized or even encouraged. For example, the punk and skinhead sub-cultures have historically been associated with violence and vandalism. Similarly, youth gangs often engage in drug dealing, theft, and violent crimes.

Drift Theory and Juvenile Delinquency: Sociologists like David Matza argue that young people drift in and out of delinquency as they navigate adolescence. Matza's drift theory posits that young people are not inherently criminal but may engage in deviant behaviour when social controls are weak. This is supported by William Chambliss' study on "The Saints and the Roughnecks," which found that working-class youth labelled as delinquents were more likely to continue on a criminal path than their middle-class counterparts who engaged in similar acts but were not labelled.

Postmodernism and Thrill-Seeking: Some sociologists argue that the postmodern emphasis on individualism and instant gratification contributes to youth crime. Young people bombarded with media portrayals of risk-taking and excitement may be more likely to engage in criminal activity for thrills.

Status Crimes: Certain offences, such as underage drinking and truancy, are only considered crimes due to the age of the offender. These "status offences" are naturally more prevalent among young people.

Age and Crime Type

The type of crime committed can also be influenced by age.

Work and Access: White-collar crimes, such as fraud and embezzlement, are typically committed by individuals in positions of trust within organizations. Younger and very old individuals may lack access to these positions, making them less likely to commit such offences. Conversely, middle-aged individuals often hold positions of authority and responsibility, potentially increasing their opportunities for white-collar crime.

Crimes Involving Technology: The digital age has given rise to new forms of crime, such as hacking, online fraud, and identity theft. Younger generations who have grown up with technology are often more digitally savvy than older generations, making them more likely to commit cybercrimes. Conversely, older individuals may be more vulnerable to online scams due to a lack of familiarity with online security measures.

Older Age and Criminal Behaviour

While statistically less likely to engage in crime, older age groups can still exhibit criminal behaviours.

Responsibilities and Consequences: Older individuals typically have more responsibilities, such as families and mortgages, and stand to lose more from engaging in criminal activity. This acts as a deterrent to crime.

Physical Limitations: Ageing can bring about physical limitations that make it difficult to commit certain types of crime. For example, an elderly person may not have the physical strength to carry out a robbery.

Ageing Population and Crime in Japan: An interesting counter-trend can be observed in countries like Japan, which has a rapidly ageing population. The elderly in Japan have been increasingly involved in criminal activities, particularly petty theft, often attributed to social isolation and poverty. This trend has prompted a need for specialized prison facilities to accommodate the needs of elderly inmates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, age is a complex factor that can significantly influence criminal behaviour. While young people are statistically more likely to commit crimes due to factors like peer pressure, thrill-seeking, and social circumstances, the type of crime committed can vary across age groups. As individuals age, their motivations and opportunities for crime may change, leading to different patterns of criminal behaviour. Understanding the interplay between age and crime is crucial for developing effective crime prevention strategies and rehabilitation programs that cater to the specific needs of different age groups.

Sources:

• Matza, D. (1964). Delinquency and Drift. John Wiley & Sons.
• Chambliss, W. J. (1973). The Saints and the Roughnecks. Society, 10(6), 24-31.