Poverty and Crime: Exploring the Relationship between Economic Deprivation and Criminal Behavior

Question 1

Which theory suggests that people are more likely to commit crimes when they lack legitimate opportunities for economic and social advancement?

Accepted Answer

Strain theory

Answer

Social control theory

Answer

Labeling theory

Answer

Differential association theory

Question 2

According to the theory of anomie, which of the following best explains why poverty can lead to crime?

Accepted Answer

It creates a sense of disconnection and frustration among individuals who feel they cannot achieve societal goals through legitimate means.

Answer

It provides ample opportunities for individuals to engage in illegal activities.

Answer

It reduces the cost of engaging in criminal behavior, making it more appealing.

Answer

It increases the level of social control in communities, reducing the likelihood of crime.

Question 3

Which of the following crimes is least likely to be associated with individuals living in poverty?

Accepted Answer

White-collar crimes, such as embezzlement and fraud

Answer

Property offenses, such as theft and burglary

Answer

violent crimes, such as assault and robbery

Answer

Drug offenses, such as possession and trafficking

Question 4

The 'broken windows' theory suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Disorderly and incivility in public spaces can contribute to increased levels of crime.

Answer

A strong police presence is the most effective deterrent to crime in all communities.

Answer

Social factors, such as poverty and inequality, have no significant influence on crime rates.

Answer

The root cause of all crime is poverty.

Question 5

The term 'underclass' is often used to describe a specific segment of society that experiences:

Accepted Answer

Extreme poverty, social exclusion, and limited economic opportunities.

Answer

A comfortable standard of living and upward social mobility.

Answer

Temporary setbacks and financial difficulties.

Answer

High levels of education and professional achievement.

Question 6

The concept of 'structural violence' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Violence that is caused by societal structures and institutions, such as poverty, discrimination, and inequality.

Answer

Violence that is perpetrated by individuals against specific targets.

Answer

Violence that is justified or sanctioned by the state.

Answer

Violence that occurs exclusively within the criminal justice system.

Question 7

Which of the following factors does NOT contribute to the relationship between poverty and crime?

Accepted Answer

Stable family environments and positive role models.

Answer

Limited access to quality education and employment opportunities.

Answer

Disparities in income and wealth distribution.

Answer

Discrimination and prejudice based on race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.

Question 8

According to the relative deprivation theory, which of the following is most likely to lead to criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Individuals who feel that they are unfairly disadvantaged compared to others.

Answer

Individuals who perceive themselves as having more than others.

Answer

Individuals who are content with their current circumstances.

Answer

Individuals who have a strong sense of community belonging.

Question 9

Research has consistently shown that areas with higher levels of poverty tend to have:

Accepted Answer

Higher rates of property crimes compared to affluent areas.

Answer

Lower rates of violent crime compared to affluent areas.

Answer

Similar rates of crime compared to affluent areas.

Answer

No correlation between poverty levels and crime rates.

Question 10

Research indicates that the relationship between poverty and crime is:

Accepted Answer

The link between poverty and crime is multifaceted and influenced by other factors.

Answer

Poverty is the sole cause of crime.

Answer

Poverty has no effect on crime rates.

Question 11

How do social support systems primarily contribute to reducing crime rates among people living in poverty?

Accepted Answer

Offering mentorship, guidance, and positive role models

Answer

Providing job training and employment opportunities

Answer

Enforcing stricter laws and harsher punishments

Question 12

How does 'hidden poverty' affect our understanding of the link between poverty and crime?

Accepted Answer

It shows that poverty can be hidden and that traditional measures may not fully capture its extent.

Answer

It suggests that poverty is less important in crime than previously believed.

Answer

It indicates that crime rates are higher in areas with more 'hidden' poverty.

Question 13

How do discrimination and systemic racism contribute to the link between poverty and crime rates?

Accepted Answer

They create barriers to education and employment, perpetuating poverty and increasing the likelihood of criminal activity.

Answer

They only affect certain racial groups, so their impact on crime rates is minimal.

Answer

They have no impact on the relationship between poverty and crime.

Answer

Poverty is the sole cause of crime, and efforts to address systemic racism are misguided.

Question 14

According to strain theory, what is the primary عامل that drives criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Limited opportunities and economic deprivation

Answer

Mental health conditions

Answer

Biological abnormalities

Answer

Lack of social cohesion

Question 15

What is the primary difference between social deviance and personal deviance?

Accepted Answer

Social deviance violates societal norms, while personal deviance violates individual values.

Answer

Social deviance is considered more severe than personal deviance.

Answer

Social deviance arises from external factors, while personal deviance originates from internal factors.

Answer

Social deviance and personal deviance are identical concepts.

Question 16

Which of the following would be considered a white-collar crime?

Accepted Answer

Embezzlement

Answer

Robbery

Answer

Assault

Answer

Drug trafficking

Question 17

What is the role of government in addressing poverty and crime?

Accepted Answer

Implementing social programs, providing education, and creating job opportunities

Answer

Enacting strict laws and increasing police presence

Answer

Imposing severe punishments on criminals

Answer

Ignoring the issue entirely

Question 18

In impoverished communities, what is the 'culture of silence' and how does it affect crime reporting and community efforts to combat crime?

Accepted Answer

An unspoken rule not to report crimes or cooperate with law enforcement.

Answer

A belief that poverty alone causes crime.

Answer

A government policy restricting crime reporting in poor areas.

Answer

It has no impact on crime reporting or community efforts.

Question 19

According to Strain Theory, which of the following factors contributes to crime?

Accepted Answer

Lack of legitimate opportunities to achieve desired goals

Answer

Dysfunctional family structures

Answer

Exposure to violent media

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Question 20

Property crimes, such as burglary and theft, are commonly associated with which societal issue?

Accepted Answer

Poverty and economic deprivation

Answer

Social inequality and discrimination

Answer

Rapid urbanization and modernization

Answer

Technological advancements and cybercrime

Question 21

The concept of 'concentration effects' in the context of poverty and crime refers to:

Accepted Answer

Higher crime rates in areas with a high concentration of poverty

Answer

Reduced crime rates due to increased social cohesion in impoverished communities

Answer

The absence of a relationship between poverty and crime in rural areas

Answer

The exclusive impact of economic inequality on crime rates

Question 22

Which factor does NOT contribute to poverty-related crime?

Accepted Answer

Strong social bonds and networks

Answer

Lack of access to education and employment opportunities

Answer

Weak family and community support

Answer

Discrimination and marginalization

Question 23

Studies consistently indicate that poverty is:

Accepted Answer

A primary contributor to crime

Answer

A minor factor in criminal behavior

Answer

Unrelated to crime

Answer

The only determinant of crime

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of poverty-related crime?

Accepted Answer

Improved public safety and well-being

Answer

Increased fear and distrust within communities

Answer

Reduced economic investments in impoverished areas

Answer

Overcrowding in prisons

Question 25

Research on poverty and crime suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Poverty can increase the risk of crime, but other factors also play a role.

Answer

There is a direct and linear relationship between poverty and crime.

Answer

Poverty is the sole cause of crime.

Answer

Wealthy individuals are more likely to commit crimes than poor individuals.

Question 26

Which of the following is a potential strategy to address poverty-related crime?

Accepted Answer

Investing in education, job training, and affordable housing

Answer

Increasing law enforcement presence in impoverished areas

Answer

Reducing social welfare programs

Answer

Criminalizing poverty

Question 27

The social disorganization theory of crime suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Social inequality and lack of social control lead to higher crime rates

Answer

Crime is primarily caused by individual pathology

Answer

Economic growth is the most effective crime prevention strategy

Answer

The police are the main factor in reducing crime

Question 28

Which of the following is a characteristic of high-crime neighborhoods?

Accepted Answer

Social isolation and lack of community cohesion

Answer

High levels of trust and social capital

Answer

Strong sense of collective efficacy

Answer

Adequate access to resources and opportunities

Question 29

Concerning the association between poverty and criminal behavior, research suggests that the connection is:

Accepted Answer

Most pronounced in underdeveloped nations

Answer

Most pronounced in affluent nations

Answer

Equally robust across all nations

Answer

Insignificant in all nations

Question 30

Which sociological theory suggests that poverty leads to crime by reducing opportunities and increasing social stress?

Accepted Answer

Strain Theory

Answer

Social Control Theory

Answer

Rational Choice Theory

Answer

Social Learning Theory

Question 31

Which of the following is a common criticism of the poverty-crime relationship?

Accepted Answer

Poverty is not the exclusive cause of crime.

Answer

Criminals are inherently malicious individuals.

Answer

Economic growth will eradicate the crime problem.

Answer

Social programs are ineffective in reducing crime.

Question 32

According to strain theory, what factor contributes to crime in impoverished communities?

Accepted Answer

Lack of opportunities and resources

Answer

Weak moral values

Answer

Cultural norms

Answer

Psychological disorders

Question 33

Which of the following most significantly influences crime rates in low-income neighborhoods?

Accepted Answer

Structural inequality

Answer

Geographic isolation

Answer

Family structure

Answer

Racial composition

Question 34

Compared to more affluent individuals, people living in poverty are more likely to commit crimes related to:

Accepted Answer

Property

Answer

Violence

Answer

Technology

Answer

Fraud

Question 35

Which policy approach aims to address the underlying causes of poverty and reduce crime simultaneously?

Accepted Answer

Social welfare programs

Answer

Intensified police presence

Answer

Zero-tolerance policies

Answer

Neighborhood surveillance

Question 36

The concept of 'illicit opportunity structure' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Limited legitimate opportunities leading to criminal behavior

Answer

Social bonds that encourage crime

Answer

Neighborhoods with high crime rates

Answer

Underground markets and organized crime networks

Question 37

Which research method is most commonly employed to investigate the relationship between poverty and crime?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative analysis of statistical data

Answer

Historical analysis of crime patterns

Answer

Qualitative interviews with individuals in poverty

Answer

Observational studies of criminal behavior

Question 38

Which of the following factors has NOT been linked to the perpetuation of poverty-related crime?

Accepted Answer

Strong family ties

Answer

Childhood trauma

Answer

Unemployment

Answer

Educational disparities

Question 39

When conducting research on poverty and crime, it is crucial to prioritize which ethical consideration?

Accepted Answer

Protecting the privacy and well-being of participants

Answer

Achieving wide-ranging applicability of findings

Answer

Publishing results in prestigious journals

Answer

Maintaining objectivity in data interpretation

Question 40

Which criminal justice approach has been criticized for exacerbating poverty and crime by increasing incarceration rates?

Accepted Answer

Mass incarceration

Answer

Community-oriented policing

Answer

Problem-solving policing strategies

Answer

Restorative justice practices

Question 41

Which sociological theory argues that poverty directly contributes to crime by creating a gap between societal goals and the means to achieve them?

Accepted Answer

Structural Strain Theory

Answer

Social Control Theory

Answer

Labeling Theory

Answer

Biological Theory

Question 42

What is a key criticism of the Structural Strain Theory's explanation of crime?

Accepted Answer

It fails to account for individual differences in criminal behavior.

Answer

It assumes that all poor people are criminals.

Answer

It is based on a Marxist perspective.

Question 43

How does social disorganization, as studied by the Chicago School, contribute to higher crime rates in certain areas?

Accepted Answer

It weakens social control and increases feelings of anomie, leading to more criminal activity.

Answer

It increases opportunities for legitimate employment.

Answer

It facilitates the organization of crime syndicates.

Question 44

Which of the following interventions has proven effective in reducing crime rates in impoverished communities?

Accepted Answer

Job training programs

Answer

Zero-tolerance policies

Answer

Stricter sentencing laws

Answer

Increased police presence

Question 45

How does the intersection of poverty, race, and ethnicity impact crime patterns?

Accepted Answer

People of color living in poverty often face additional barriers and discrimination, increasing their risk of involvement in the criminal justice system.

Answer

Poverty has a greater impact on crime rates in white communities than in communities of color.

Question 46

What role does the media play in shaping public perceptions of the relationship between poverty and crime?

Accepted Answer

Media portrayals can reinforce negative stereotypes, contributing to fear and distrust between different socioeconomic groups.

Answer

The media has no influence on how people perceive the link between poverty and crime.

Question 47

How does social inequality contribute to crime in impoverished communities?

Accepted Answer

It creates a system where the poor have fewer opportunities and resources, making them more vulnerable to criminal behavior.

Answer

Social inequality has no impact on crime rates.

Question 48

What ethical considerations are involved in addressing crime in impoverished communities?

Accepted Answer

It is essential to balance the need for public safety with respect for the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

Answer

The rights of impoverished communities should be sacrificed to ensure public safety.

Question 49

Which theory posits that poverty creates conditions such as social disorganization, lack of opportunities, and strain, which increase the likelihood of criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Strain Theory

Answer

Social Control Theory

Answer

Labeling Theory

Question 50

Which of the following is unlikely to contribute to criminal activity as a result of poverty?

Accepted Answer

Increased educational attainment

Answer

Exposure to violence and criminal behavior

Answer

Limited job opportunities

Question 51

The concept of 'cycle of poverty' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The intergenerational transfer of poverty and its associated social and economic disadvantages.

Answer

The economic fluctuations that lead to poverty.

Answer

The cyclical nature of criminal behavior.

Question 52

A study examining the correlation between income inequality and crime rates in different urban areas would be an example of:

Accepted Answer

Social Disorganization Theory

Answer

Rational Choice Theory

Answer

Differential Association Theory

Answer

Labeling Theory

Question 53

Which of the following policy measures aims to address poverty and reduce crime by providing access to education, job training, and employment opportunities?

Accepted Answer

Investing in early childhood education and job training programs

Answer

Enacting stricter sentencing guidelines

Answer

Increasing police presence in high-crime areas

Question 54

A study that evaluates the effectiveness of a welfare program in reducing crime rates would be categorized as:

Accepted Answer

Evaluative Research

Answer

Exploratory Research

Answer

Descriptive Research

Answer

Historical Research

Question 55

Which of the following is NOT a key factor contributing to the concentration of poverty in specific neighborhoods?

Accepted Answer

Substantial public investment in infrastructure

Answer

Limited job opportunities and economic disinvestment

Answer

Redlining and discriminatory housing practices

Answer

Lack of access to quality education and healthcare

Question 56

The theory that individuals from impoverished backgrounds are more likely to engage in criminal activity due to a lack of legitimate opportunities and social support is most closely aligned with:

Accepted Answer

Strain Theory

Answer

Social Control Theory

Answer

Labeling Theory

Answer

Differential Association Theory

Question 57

Which of the following is an example of a social program designed to address poverty and its potential link to crime?

Accepted Answer

Head Start

Answer

Stop and Frisk

Answer

Three-Strikes Law

Answer

War on Drugs

Question 58

The concept of 'systemic poverty' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The embedded structures and institutions that perpetuate poverty and its associated challenges.

Answer

The economic disparities between different social classes.

Answer

The cycle of poverty passed down through generations.