CSS Solved Criminology Past Paper CSS Special 2023 | Criminality has Changed with the Increasing Urbanization
Question Breakdown
In this question, the examiner has inquired about rising rate in crime and criminality due to increasing urbanization. In order to properly answer this query, one ought to briefly explain increasing urbanization then, delineate its impact on crime rate and criminality. Furthermore, definitions of crime and urbanization can be added after introduction for a better start and explanation. Another main part in this question is that everything is to be discussed with particular reference to Pakistan. By adding scholarly definitions, references and examples from Pakistan can make the answer of the aspirants outstanding. On the other hand, flow charts, diagrams, tables and quotations related to crime, criminality and increasing urbanization can enhance the quality of one’s answer.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-Definition of Crime and Urbanization
3-Impact of Increasing Urbanization on Crime and Criminality in Pakistan
- ✓Increased Crime Rates
- ✓Changing Nature of Crimes
- ✓Organized Crimes
- ✓Socioeconomic Inequalities
- ✓Youth and Gang Violence
- ✓Increase in Urban Slums and Informal Settlements
- ✓Weak Social Control
4-Strategies to Mitigate Crime and Criminality Resulted due to Increased Urbanization
- ✓Community Policing
- ✓Education and Economic Development Programs
- ✓Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development
5-Critical Analysis
6-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Urbanization has had a profound impact on how crime and criminality are perceived, especially in developing nations like Pakistan. Cities grow at a rate that frequently surpasses the creation of social services and the requisite infrastructure as rural populations move to urban areas in quest of better economic prospects and living conditions. This transition produces complex socioeconomic dynamics, and these dynamics may have an impact on criminal behavior patterns. The Social Disorganization Theory and Strain Theory delineate how urbanization influences rising crime rates and shifting characteristics of criminal activity. Significant changes in crime patterns have been observed in Pakistani cities such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. An increase in organized crime has marked these changes, including cybercrime and youth gang violence, among other issues. In his work “The Division of Labor in Society”, Emile Durkheim delineates,
“Crime is a reflection of urban life; the crowded living conditions, anonymity, and weakening of traditional social bonds in cities create conditions conducive to criminal activity.”
Definition of Crime and Urbanization
Michael Adler defines crime as, “A behavior prohibited by criminal law.” Moreover, according to Paul W. Tapan, crime is, “An intentional act in violation of criminal law.” The Black’s Law Dictionary defines crime as, “A social harm that makes it punishable by law.”
According to Britannica, urbanization is,
“The process by which large numbers of people become permanently concentrated in relatively small areas, forming cities.”
The movement of people from rural to urban areas and the subsequent expansion of urban centers is referred to as urbanization. The social, economic and environmental facets of civilization are all greatly impacted by this process.
Impact of Increasing Urbanization on Crime and Criminality in Pakistan
Urbanization and alterations in criminal behavior and crime patterns are frequently associated. Like many developing nations, Pakistan has seen a tremendous increase in urbanization, which has significantly altered the nature of crime and criminality in the country.
| Impact of Increasing Urbanization on Crime and Criminality in Pakistan |
| Increased Crime Rates |
| Youth and Gang Violence |
| Socioeconomic Inequalities |
| Organized Crimes |
| Changing Nature of Crime |
| Urban Slums and Informal Settlements |
| Weak Social Control |
Increased Crime Rates
In Pakistan, cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad are experiencing traffic jams, unemployment and poor infrastructure due to rapid urbanization in the country. These circumstances foster an atmosphere that is favorable to criminal activity. The largest city in Pakistan, Karachi, has witnessed an increase in street crimes, such as armed robberies, thefts and muggings, especially in regions with high population densities and low economic status, like Korangi, Gulistan-e-Johar and Liaquatabad, in 2023, as reported by Citizens-Police Liaison Committee. According to the Social Disorganization Theory by Shaw and McKay, urbanization causes the breakdown of social institutions like family and education, etc., thus, reducing social control and ultimately, increasing crime rates.
Changing Nature of Crime
Traditional crimes (such as cattle theft) that are common in rural areas have given way to more complex urban crimes like organized crime, cybercrime and white-collar crime due to urbanization. The growth in cybercrime in big cities like Islamabad and Lahore is envisioned, where more people are using the internet and transacting online, has made cyber-attacks more profitable. In 2023, Islamabad observed 18% of cybercrime related complaints which included hacking and identity theft, etc. as reported by the Cyber Crime Wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Organized Crimes
Urban settings give groups conducting organized crimes the cover and opportunity to operate, taking advantage of the gaps in the economy and weak law enforcement. For instance, because of rampant corruption and insufficient law enforcement, organized criminal syndicates in Karachi frequently operate with impunity while engaging in extortion, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. Moreover, a significant increase in organized burglaries is envisioned in Islamabad, among which 20% occurred in new urban settlements.
Socioeconomic Inequalities
According to Strain Theory by Robert K. Merton, urbanization causes increased economic disparity and social strain, thus making it difficult for individuals to attain objectives set by society via legitimate means. Commonly, urbanization leads to apparent socioeconomic inequalities, with wealthy communities coexisting side by side with destitute slums. Criminality and social unrest may result from this discrepancy. For example, more burglaries and home invasions in rich districts have been linked to Lahore’s dramatic contrast between expensive areas and slums. According to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, from 2022 to 2023, a 25% increase in crime rate was envisioned in urban areas, with property crimes and robberies being the primary ones.
Youth and Gang Violence
Youth who experience unemployment and a lack of opportunity due to urbanization may become marginalized and more vulnerable to being recruited by gangs and engaging in violent crimes. An illustration of this would be the rise in youthful gang activity in Karachi, where disgruntled young men join gangs in search of financial security and a feeling of community, leading to a rise in gang-related violence.
Increase in Urban Slums and Informal Settlements
Due to rapid urbanization, urban slums as well as informal settlements are increasing. These areas lack proper policing, due to which the crime rate is disproportionately higher in such areas. Moreover, these areas are vulnerable to felonies and organized crimes. For example, Orangi town of Karachi – one of the largest slums in the region – has an increased crime rate with drug trade and gang violence as prominent crimes.
Weak Social Control
Increased urbanization has also weakened social control, particularly in informal settlements, which lack social control considerably, therefore, it is easier to carry out crimes in such areas. According to a research by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics in 2023, a thirty % increase in youth involvement is envisioned in criminal activities of metropolitan areas.
Strategies to Mitigate Crime and Criminality Resulted due to Increased Urbanization
Increased urbanization results in densely populated cities, socioeconomic disparities and weak social control, ultimately increasing criminal activities. Therefore, to address these issues, taking certain measures is crucial.
Figure 1: Strategies to Mitigate Crime Rate due to Increased Urbanization
Community Policing
Community policing will help in redressing the public grievances against the police at all levels (district, province and national) as well as in enhancing public confidence in the police department. Furthermore, speedy dispute resolution of conflicts is envisioned because with the partnership of police and public, root causes of crime are addressed and issues are resolved by including members of the community. This leads to peaceful coexistence in neighborhoods. For example, in Karachi, community policing projects centered on prevention of crime through neighborhood watch programs and youth engagement activities, which also decreased petty crimes up to 15% according to the Sindh Home Department.
Education and Economic Development Programs
Most of the young people of Pakistan indulge in extremist and terrorist activities because they are less knowledgeable and are fascinated by the wealth and social status associated with it. Individuals who were deprived of fundamental needs in the tribal areas of the country, envisioned that their social status was improved while being associated with militant organizations due to the possession of a weapon and wealth. Therefore, providing education and creating employment opportunities for unprivileged communities of the country are paramount. For example, microfinance initiatives in Lahore give small amounts of loans to entrepreneurs in low-income areas that help minimize economic strain and criminal activities that result from it. Moreover, training is provided to youth by Punjab Skills Development Fund in Lahore which reduced their involvement in crime up to 20%.
Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development
Establishing public areas that encourage community involvement, enhancing visibility, and boosting lighting are ways to design urban environments that decrease the likelihood of crime. For instance, the construction of parks, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and leisure centers in Islamabad in 2023 has improved neighborhood social cohesiveness and lowered crime rates up to 10% as reported by Islamabad Police.
Critical Analysis
Due to increased urbanization, the crime rate has increased simultaneously, which indicates the challenges posed by digitalization as well as modernization. In order to deal with these challenges, a multi-pronged approach is paramount, which comprises cooperation of the community and police, socioeconomic measures, cyber security, urban planning and development. Moreover, as indicated by Social Bonds Theory, four social bonds should be strengthened among people. These bonds include one’s attachment to parents and peers, commitment to future goals, involvement in socio-religious activities and belief in honesty, rule of law, justice and fair play. If these bonds are strengthened, then criminality can be decreased. On the other hand, according to Anomie Theory by Emile Durkheim, disruption of the smooth running of society, normlessness, lawlessness, and disorganization is the reason why every society has to face crime.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Pakistan’s growing urbanization has had a substantial impact on crime and criminality, resulting in increased crime rates and criminality. The Social Disorganization Theory and the Strain Theory delineate the ways through which urbanization affects the crime rate. Urbanization results in socioeconomic disparities and increases opportunities for organized crimes. Robust measures such as community policing, economic growth, urban planning, youth participation and judicial reforms, are crucial to address the problems brought on by urbanization. Pakistan may improve public safety and lessen the negative impact of urbanization on crime by putting these ideas into practice. According to David Harvey,
“Cities are paradoxes of opportunity and inequality; while they promise prosperity, they also amplify the conditions under which crime thrives.”
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