Why are Most Convicted Criminals Young, Male and Working-Class?

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Why are Most Convicted Criminals Young, Male and Working-Class?

Official crime statistics show that young, working-class males commit most crime. The following are some reasons that I can think of to explain these generalisations.

Young

I think young people commit crime as they are out of the age group when their parents closely supervise them. Their curfews may have been extended and parents tend to give them a bit more space, privacy and freedom. They are no longer treated as children but are denied the same rights and responsibilities as adults. This can make them feel deprived of status in society and suffer from what sociologists call status frustration. This simply means that they are frustrated their lack of independent status in society.

They are also at the stage when their friends are an important part of their (social) life. They want to impress their mates as well as searching for thrills and status among the peer group. Their peer group provides them some support on things to do with school and family and therefore become of great significance.

The majority of young people lack responsibilities that include having children, keeping a