Violent Crime in Canada, the U.S., and Europe (From Insights Into Violence in Contemporary Canadian Society, P 43-49, 1987, James M MacLatchie, ed. -- See NCJ-122437)

• NCJ Number: 122439
• Author(s): P Brantingham
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: John Howard Soc of Canada
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: Canada
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

Canada's level of violent crime is relatively low compared to the United States and Europe, but contemporary economic trends could create conditions conducive to an increase in violent crime.

Abstract

The last quarter of a century has seen a massive rise in crime, not only in Canada but throughout the Atlantic community and possibly in the rest of the world. Crime levels are significantly higher than in the 1950's and the 1940's, but they are not substantially higher than those of the 1920's or the 1890's. Overall, the violent crime in Canada is substantially less than people have experienced historically. Although the factors affecting crime patterns in general and violence in particular are not clear, demographics play a part, including population size and rate of growth, economic structure, and changes in the structure of the criminal justice system. In the near future, population factors would suggest a decline in violent crime, but economic factors are not as favorable. The decline in well-paying jobs due to automation has created structural unemployment. Income levels will decline while leisure time will increase. An increase in frustration and disillusionment combined with a decline in structured work behavior may contribute to an increase in violence.