PhilCST

PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY College of Criminal Justice

OLD NALSIAN ROAD, BRGY. NALSIAN, CALASIAO, PANGASINAN Education

UNDERSTANDING CRIMINALITY
Lesson 5.1: Causes of Criminality

Learning Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
Identify the common causes of the existence of crime.

Concept/Discussion:

BREEDING GROUNDS OF CRIMINALITY (CAUSES OF CRIMES)

1. Poverty – This is characterized by the widespread unemployment, low income and

productivity, malnutrition, big families and rapid population growth rates, low standard
of living and the like. Because of poverty and its concomitant deprivation and hardship,
many become desperate and are forced by circumstances to resort to crime; just so, they
could alleviate or escape from their miseries and frustrations.

2. Ignorance - This factor is widespread among people, who lack knowledge and
understanding about many laws and things, which they should and are presumed to know
as citizens.

3. Injustices/Abuses – This factor in itself already constitutes several crimes themselves. As

if these were not enough yet, such they spawn and breed more crime to happen as
aftermath thereof.

4. Soft State – This pertains to a system of government characterized by non-enforcement

of several laws and ordinances, massive graft and corruption, absenteeism on the part of
government officials, lack of basic services and other ugly symptoms.

5. Fear – This problem is pervasive that it affects practically the entire society, whether rich
or poor.

6. Lost Family Values – It loosens family ties, result in many broken homes or families. As
children are separated from their parents they go wayward and become misguided. Many
become addicted to prohibited drugs, unwed or separated parents and eventually
become criminals or victims of crimes.
 PhilCST
PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY College of Criminal Justice
OLD NALSIAN ROAD, BRGY. NALSIAN, CALASIAO, PANGASINAN Education

OTHER BASIC CAUSES OF CRIMES

1. Hatred – Some individuals develop violent hatred for reasons or another. This hatred may
ultimately result in some acts of violence. The normal or well-adjusted person can control
hatred. Others, because of their mental make-up, cannot control hatred which in all
likelihood would result in an act of violence against another.

2. Passion – All persons are born with the same general tendencies and passions. It is in the
manner in which they control these passions that will determine whether or not a person
is able to control his passion will depend upon his early training and the influence of his
home.

3. Personal Gain – It is normal for a person to desire to improve his life and to work hard to
provide a better if not abundant life for himself and his family.

4. Insanity – From among the members of the society, there are those who are born
mentally abnormal and are therefore not governed by their own free will. They cannot
distinguish good from evil. They have no control over their physical want and are not
aware that what they have done is wrong.

5. Revenge – This literally means to retaliate. This is what most people feel and think of
when others have committed acts detrimental to the interest of their loved ones. It is the
manifestation of uncontrollable impulses by one against another who offended them.

6. Unpopular Laws

Learning Sources:
BOOKS:
1. Eduardo, Jesster P., Panganoron, Carlito R. (2015) Fundamentals of Criminology.
Wiseman’s Book Trading Inc.
2. Alviola, Armando A. Ph. D. Crim. Ph. D. Educ. Mngmt. (2014). Introduction to
Criminology and Psychology of Crimes. Wiseman’s Books Trading Inc.
3. Manwong, R.K. (2013). Fundamentals of Criminology.Wiseman’s Books Trading,
Inc.