XN000022-1974-03-20 — Page 2

SOCIAL CAUSES OF CRIME

As Seen By Prisoners

Wednesday, March 20, 1974

Sensational treatment of crime in the mass media received the

most contion by prisoners in group discussions conducted by the Prisons

Department on the social causes of crime.

The prisoners blame the mass media for "glorifying crime" and

teaching potential offenders the "methods of criminal enterprico."

They believe that the mass media suggest criminal or sexally

abnormal ideas and create a mental preparedness for temptation.

According to Miss Rebecca Wong, a sociologist working in the

Prisons Department, the suggestion that the mass media are responsible for

crino "enjoys little solid ground."

Studies do not indicate that reading, hearing or seeing so-called

"harmful dramas" cause delinquency and crime, Miss Wong says.

Rather the opposite may be true.

"For example, an aroused desire for easy money and luzary," Hise

Wong says, "may induce a man to work harder to earn more through legitimate

mocno."1

Another popularly suggested cause of crime is poverty. Economic

deprivation and going to work at an early age are considered to have a

dotrinental effect.

Other causes suggested by the prisoners include crowded living

conditions, broken homes, corruption, triad influence, and drugs.

Miss Tong