NCJ Number
81265
Date Published
1980
Length
19 pages
Annotation
The relationship between unemployment and crime is examined, and possibilities are weighed for preventing crime through measures against unemployment.
Abstract
Review of the literature since the 19th century on the unemployment-crime link affirms that the relationship remains unproven, but it also shows that crime suspects and convicted felons are frequently unemployed. Furthermore, both the unemployed and offenders have socialization deficits, suggesting that an interactive influence exists, although the nature of the connection is unclear. Preventive measures can take the form of general programs to prevent unemployment and special programs for individuals particularly at risk. Groups evidencing high unemployment rates for whom programs should be considered are women, older job-seekers (59 and over), juveniles, and ex-convicts. Women and older citizens have low crime rates; their employment problems can probably be addressed within the framework of general programs and long-range personnel planning by employers. Juveniles and ex-convicts are clearly in need of targeted programs with specialized counseling and vocational training services. Among juveniles, the group at greatest risk is unskilled school dropouts and youths unable to find work after high school. For these, employment services should incorporate psychological counseling, and vocational schools should encourage organizations of job-seeking youths. Motivation of employers to hire ex-offenders may have to take the form of legally mandated preferential hiring norms. Special work projects employing ex-offenders may be desirable as a transitional work experience for these individuals before they enter the larger job market. Footnotes and graphs are given.