EDUCATION, INTELLIGENCE AND TYPES OF CRIMES: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS

This article is written by Aniket Singh, an intern under Legal Vidhiya.

ABSTRACT:

Intelligence, education, and types of crimes are interconnected in several ways. Intelligence is often considered as a significant determinant of criminal behavior, while education is seen as a factor that can reduce criminal involvement. This article discusses the different types of crimes that exist and provides a brief introduction to each. The article identifies seven main types of crimes, including violent crimes, property crimes, drug crimes, white-collar crimes, cyber crimes, hate crimes, and juvenile crimes. Each type of crime has its own unique characteristics and requires different approaches to prevent and address them effectively. The article highlights the importance of understanding the different types of crimes and the need for a multifaceted approach to prevent and intervene in criminal activities through education and intelligence.

KEYWORDS: Intelligence, education, crimes, types of crimes.

Intelligence and Crime:

Intelligence is a multifaceted concept that encompasses several cognitive abilities such as reasoning, problem-solving, memory, and creativity. These cognitive abilities are crucial for adapting to the environment, making decisions, and achieving goals. However, intelligence is also a significant predictor of criminal behavior. Several studies have found that individuals with low intelligence are more likely to engage in criminal activities than those with higher intelligence.

One of the earliest studies on the relationship between intelligence and crime was conducted by Sir Francis Galton in the late 19th century. Galton found that individuals with low intelligence were more likely to be convicted of crimes than those with higher intelligence. Since then, several studies have replicated this finding.

The relationship between intelligence and crime can be explained by various theories. One such theory is the general strain theory.

 General strain theory (GST) provides a unique explanation of crime and delinquency. In contrast to control and learning theories, GST focuses explicitly on negative treatment by others and is the only major theory of crime and delinquency to highlight the role of negative emotions in the etiology of offending. According to GST, the experience of strain or stress tends to generate negative emotions such as anger, frustration, depression, and despair. These negative emotions, in turn, are said to create pressures for corrective action, with crime or delinquency being one possible response.

GST was designed, in part, to address criticisms leveled against previous versions of strain theory. Earlier versions of strain theory have been criticized for focusing on a narrow range of possible strains, for their inability to explain why only some strained individuals resort to crime or delinquency, and for limited empirical support. GST has been partly successful in overcoming these limitations. Since its inception, the theory has received a considerable amount of attention from researchers, has enjoyed a fair amount of empirical support, and has been credited with helping to revitalize the strain theory tradition. The full potential of GST has yet to be realized, however, as the theory continues to evolve and further testing is required.

Another theory is the social learning theory, which suggests that criminal behavior is learned through social interactions. The social learning theory of crime argues that some people learn to commit crimes through the same process through which others learn to conform. The theory assumes that people, at birth, have neither a motivation to commit crime nor to conform. The theory then asks: Why does an individual commit crimes? The answer to this question stresses the process of learning, which involves the interaction between thought or cognition, behavior, and environment. Social learning theory is rooted in the work of the Chicago School theorists of the early twentieth century. It draws on symbolic interactionism as found in the works of Chicago School theorists such as George Herbert Mead. Symbolic interactionism is a social psychological theory that is based on the idea that all human behavior can be understood as the result of a process of communication. It argues that people communicate through the use of symbols and base their actions on the meaning of those symbols for them. Symbolic interactionists argue that meaning for symbols is learned in interaction with others, thus meaning is social in origin. Two theorists who build on this base are key to understanding social learning theories of crime: Edwin Sutherland and Ronald Akers.

However, it is essential to note that intelligence is not the only predictor of criminal behavior. Other factors such as personality, social, and economic factors also play a role in criminal involvement.

Education and Crime:

Education is an important factor that can reduce criminal involvement. Several studies have found that individuals with higher levels of education are less likely to engage in criminal activities than those with lower levels of education. Education can provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in life, which reduces the likelihood of criminal behavior.

One reason why education can reduce criminal involvement is that it can provide individuals with better job opportunities, which reduces their likelihood of engaging in criminal activities. Additionally, education can teach individuals problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which can help them make better decisions and avoid criminal behavior.

Moreover, education can improve individuals’ social skills, which can lead to better relationships with peers and reduced criminal involvement. Individuals with higher levels of education are also more likely to have higher levels of self-control, which can reduce impulsive behavior and criminal involvement.

Types of Crimes

There are various types of crimes that exist, ranging from violent crimes to white-collar crimes. Each type of crime has its own unique characteristics and requires different approaches to prevent and address them. We will discuss some of the most common types of crimes and provide a brief introduction to them.

• Violent Crimes: Violent crimes are offenses that involve the use of force or violence against another person. This includes crimes such as homicide, assault, rape, and robbery. These crimes are considered the most serious and can result in severe punishments, including long-term imprisonment or even the death penalty.
• Property Crimes: Property crimes are offenses that involve the theft or damage of property. This includes crimes such as burglary, theft, arson, and vandalism. Property crimes are considered less serious than violent crimes but can still result in significant financial losses and emotional distress for victims.
• Drug Crimes: Drug crimes are offenses that involve the possession, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs. This includes crimes such as drug trafficking, drug manufacturing, and drug possession. These crimes can have significant consequences, including imprisonment, fines, and loss of employment or education opportunities.
• White-Collar Crimes: White-collar crimes are offenses that are typically committed by individuals in positions of power or authority in business or government settings. This includes crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and insider trading. White-collar crimes can have significant financial consequences and can result in lengthy imprisonment and hefty fines.
• Cyber Crimes: Cyber crimes are offenses that involve the use of technology and the internet to commit crimes. This includes crimes such as identity theft, hacking, cyberbullying, and online fraud. Cyber crimes can have significant consequences, including financial losses and reputational damage.
• Hate Crimes: Hate crimes are offenses that are motivated by bias or prejudice against a particular group or individual. This includes crimes such as assault, vandalism, and harassment. Hate crimes can have significant emotional and psychological consequences for victims and can result in imprisonment and fines for perpetrators.
• Juvenile Crimes: Juvenile crimes are offenses committed by individuals under the age of 18. This includes crimes such as theft, vandalism, and drug offenses. Juvenile crimes are typically handled differently than adult crimes and may involve rehabilitation and counseling rather than imprisonment.

 There are various types of crimes, each with their own unique characteristics and consequences. It is important to understand the different types of crimes to prevent and address them effectively. Effective prevention and intervention strategies require a multifaceted approach that involves education, intervention, and enforcement. By working together, we can create a safer and more just society for all. The relationship between intelligence, education, and different types of crimes varies. For instance, individuals with low intelligence are more likely to engage in property crimes such as theft, burglary, and arson, while individuals with higher intelligence are more likely to engage in white-collar crimes such as embezzlement, fraud, and insider trading.

Education also plays a role in reducing criminal involvement in different types of crimes. For instance, individuals with higher levels of education are less likely to engage in property crimes such as theft and burglary. However, education may not be as effective in reducing white-collar crimes, as individuals with higher levels of education may have more opportunities to engage in these types of crimes due to their positions of power and influence.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, intelligence, education, and types of crimes are interconnected in several ways. Intelligence is a significant predictor of criminal behavior, while education can reduce criminal involvement. The relationship between intelligence, education, and different types of crimes varies, with individuals with low intelligence being more likely to engage in property crimes, while individuals with higher intelligence are more likely to engage in white-collar crimes.

It is essential to note that intelligence and education are not the only factors that determine criminal behavior. Other factors such as personality, social, and economic factors also play a role. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to reducing criminal involvement should involve addressing these multiple factors.

Moreover, it is crucial to provide individuals with better access to education and resources that can help them succeed in life. This can include initiatives such as providing education and job training programs, access to healthcare and mental health services, and reducing poverty and inequality. Furthermore, it is important to address the root causes of criminal behavior, such as social and economic inequality, discrimination, and lack of opportunities. By addressing these root causes, we can create a more equitable and just society, where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

In conclusion, intelligence, education, and types of crimes are complex and interconnected. By understanding the relationship between these factors, we can develop effective strategies to reduce criminal involvement and create a safer and more just society for all.

REFERENCES:

• Types of crime. In CliffsNotes.com.,

 https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-guides/criminal-justice/crime/types-of-crime Retrieved April 24, 2023.

• Waller, Irvin. “White-Collar Crime.” In The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Social Theory, edited by Bryan S. Turner, 1026-1028. Wiley-Blackwell, 2017. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/9781405165518.wbeosc157.pub2 retrieved on 19/04/2023.

Agnew, Robert. “General Strain Theory.” In Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Criminology, edited by Cindy J. Smith, Oxford University Press, 2017. https://oxfordre.com/criminology/oso/viewentry/10.1093$002facrefore$002f9780190264079.001.0001$002facrefore-9780190264079-e-249. Ret