Socioeconomic Factors Contributing to Crime and Violence in Jamaica
Jamaica is an English-speaking country located in the Caribbean Sea to the south of Cuba. Jamaica’s potential for growth and development is enormous; however, according to the World Bank Country (2003), as cited in Gilbert & Sookram (2009), measured Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth over the years since 1972 has been unimpressive. Apart from its economic problems, Jamaica has a serious problem with crime and violence. For years there have been numerous attempts, through policy and legislation, to reduce the level of crime in Jamaica. Based on international statistics, this is a country that has suffered from a high crime rate for years, being near the top of international homicide rate lists since the 1970’s (Gilbert & Sookram, 2009). In this paper an attempt will be made to provide some level of insight into the possible contributing factors to violence in Jamaica. The factors that will be highlighted are social and economical (socio-economic) factors and how these issues relate to violence.
According to Ask.com (2013), the term socioeconomic is a combination of two words - social and economic. The social condition of a person means culture, society, where a person is living and his interaction with the society. Economic refers to financial status of the person. So basically, socioeconomic condition of an individual refers to his society, culture, environment, his interaction in society as it relates to his financial status.
Socioeconomic status (SES) is often measured as a combination of education, income, and occupation. It is commonly seen as the social standing or class of an individual or group. When analyzed through a social class lens, privilege, power, and control are emphasized (Violence & Socioeconomic Status, 2013). SES affects overall human functioning- our physical and mental health, the neighbourhoods in which we live, our daily activities, and our access to resources. Its effects can be observed across the life span. Inconsistency
According to Ask.com (2013), the term socioeconomic is a combination of two words - social and economic. The social condition of a person means culture, society, where a person is living and his interaction with the society. Economic refers to financial status of the person. So basically, socioeconomic condition of an individual refers to his society, culture, environment, his interaction in society as it relates to his financial status.
Socioeconomic status (SES) is often measured as a combination of education, income, and occupation. It is commonly seen as the social standing or class of an individual or group. When analyzed through a social class lens, privilege, power, and control are emphasized (Violence & Socioeconomic Status, 2013). SES affects overall human functioning- our physical and mental health, the neighbourhoods in which we live, our daily activities, and our access to resources. Its effects can be observed across the life span. Inconsistency
References: Clayton, A. (2012). A New Approach: The National Security Policy For Jamaica 2012. Retrieved from cabinet.gov.jm: http://www.cabinet.gov.jm/files/NATIONAL- Gilbert, K., & Sookram, S. (2009). The Socio-economic Determinants of Violent Crime in Jamaica http://www.apa.org/pi/ses/resources/publications/factsheet-violence.aspx What does socioeconomic mean? (2013)