NATURA
- Jul 6
- 5 min read

The science of crime

Updated: Jul 19

This time, I researched why people commit crimes. ✨✨

In every country around the world, there are many places where crime is prevalent, and Japan is no exception!

Crimes include murder, sexual offenses, robbery, and many others. Some countries, particularly known for high crime rates, include South America (Brazil 🇧🇷, Venezuela 🇻🇪, etc.), Africa (South Africa 🇿🇦, etc.), South Asia (Philippines 🇵🇭, etc.), and also the United States 🇺🇸. Why does the number of people committing crimes not decrease?

Firstly, it is reported that 30% of the world’s population will suffer from some form of mental illness in their lifetime. Studies on regions with high crime rates have found that people who commit crimes often suffer from depression or other mental disorders. In other words, people with unstable mental health are more likely to commit crimes. ✨✨

So why do people develop mental illnesses? A meta-analysis from 2000, which examined approximately 10,854 records of 700,000 people from 2002 to 2021, found that those living in high-crime areas are more prone to mental illness. 😱😱

Moreover, poverty plays a significant role; areas with high unemployment rates and large disparities tend to have higher crime rates. In countries like India 🇮🇳, where families live on as little as ¥120 a day, income disparity is very high. Low income means people can only afford cheap junk food and processed foods, which leads to poor health and mental illness. Additionally, without education, people do not understand the harmful effects of junk food and continue to eat it because it tastes good.

Healthy food is expensive, making it difficult for the poor to afford it daily. Consequently, they fill their stomachs with cheap junk food. The impact of heavy metals in food and drinks is also severe. Studies in American prisons found that inmates had high levels of lead in their blood, which is linked to impulsive behavior and decreased intelligence, making them more likely to commit crimes without thinking deeply.

In the 1980s, a man named Schoenthaler conducted a study on 8,000 juveniles in various youth facilities in Virginia, Alabama, and Los Angeles. He provided them with diets free of sugar and processed foods, and the results showed a 47% decrease in antisocial behavior and rule violations. This clearly showed a correlation between diet and crime. ✨✨

In essence, high-crime areas in the world often have low education levels due to poverty. Low income prevents people from getting decent jobs and buying healthy food, so they rely on cheap junk food and sugary drinks. This unhealthy diet contributes to mental illness. Additionally, in low-income areas, people form communities and often end up developing mental disorders, turning to alcohol or drugs to ease their anxiety. Young people might end up selling drugs or engaging in prostitution to make a living, worsening their mental health due to the guilt and stress involved, creating a vicious cycle typical of impoverished areas.

Countries without safety nets like welfare, such as Mexico 🇲🇽, force young people to choose between immigrating to the United States 🇺🇸 or turning to crime. 😱😱

A 2016 study in Mexico 🇲🇽 found that a 1% increase in income disparity led to a 36% increase in drug-related crimes. Similarly, a 1981 study in India 🇮🇳 showed a positive correlation between literacy rates and crime rates. A 2015 study in South Africa 🇿🇦 found that higher economic dissatisfaction in 52 districts was positively correlated with higher crime rates. 😱😱

Thus, education and income levels are undeniably linked to crime rates.

Like in Europe, welfare and economic stability are positively correlated with lower crime rates. ✨✨

It is said that by 2100, the economies of developed countries will decline while those of developing countries will rise, potentially improving global poverty. However, efforts to improve education, diet, and healthcare in impoverished areas worldwide are crucial. ✨✨✨✨

Especially important are initiatives such as free education and school meals for children and monthly visits from healthcare workers to provide mental health support in poor areas. ✨✨

How was that? ✨✨

Unfortunately, there is a certain correlation between education, diet, and crime, which perpetuates further crime.

Governments should increase efforts to distribute welfare and nutritional food to those in need. Nowadays, we have complete foods, protein supplements, and multivitamins, so distributing affordable supplements to help children meet their nutritional needs would be beneficial. ✨✨

Thank you for reading. ✨✨

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