Poverty in the Family: Poverty in the family has been another popular explanation advanced as a cause of unsocial conduct. It is true that in a great majority of apprehended children, the economic status of the family has always been found to be low. There are far more honest than

dishonest poor people. Conditions of affluence are no sure guarantee against law violations by youth as well as by adults. Had that been so, the higher standard of living in the western world should have reduced their delinquency and crime rates. It has not only not reduced them but increased them! Paradoxically, the trend towards increasing equality in the distribution of consumer goods generates expectations of further equality. And when expectations are raising faster than the standard of living, the greater availability of consumer goods makes for greater, dissatisfaction. In other words, many crimes may be traced to economic causes. However, it is not correct that most of those who committed the offence were driven to do it by hunger. It is the envy and ambition rather than hunger and cold that stimulate many petty crimes, in the same way that greed urges on the big-time criminals. It is not the lack of clothing, but expensive clothing that tempts hundreds of girls to become call girls. Actually, it is not always the poverty but the contrast that is the disturbing element.

Social Environment

Under the above heading we will briefly consider three main factors :

Slum Neighbourhoods: With many people flocking to towns and cities housing has become a problem. Slums have grown to accommodate those who were shelterless, unemployed, low salaried, etc. Crime rates are higher in these deprived sections because it is here that life is not disorganised. There are extra pressures to make a living. People in slums also want the same good things that they see others enjoying. They find that they cannot get them honestly, often because of lack of education or opportunity. This situation creates frustration and tensions, and some of them develop an indifference to law, and do not see the necessity of obeying it. Many times crime becomes an accepted way of life, an alternative to the honest work which seems unavailable or out of reach, although it may be reorganised as desireable and preferable. They are also exposed to undesirable models around, those crooks who make good money through illegal means and appear respected in the locality, nonetheless. Crime and delinquency thus become attractive, but one again we an only see an indirect relationship. Thousands of people living in substandard homes do manage somehow to remain away from unlawful activities.

Earning and Schooling: Besides equipping the child to learn the skills to later earn a living, education means development of personality. Through education the child is supposed to be introduced to ideals and higher types of men who can cater to refinement and broader mental outlook. Generally speaking, middle-class families place a high value on ambition, on getting ahead. Academic achievement and the acquisition of skills that have long-range economic pay-offs are highly appreciated. They socialise their children to struggle hard, exercise self-control and postpone gratifications, and to plan for the future. In the poor class family children are withdrawn from school because family needs the economic aid of the child. He or she may also be needed to take care of the siblings in the absence of the mother while on work. Dropping out may mean more leisure. More free time may mean diminishing adult supervision as well as increased scope for developing undesirable associates.