Causes of Crime: c500 to Present Day

Economic Factors

Poverty is often linked with crime, as people who are impoverished may turn to illegal activities to sustain themselves.
During periods of economic recession, crime rates often rise due to increased unemployment and financial strain.

Societal Factors

Social inequality can lead to crime, as individuals who feel marginalised or disadvantaged may resort to crime to express frustration or to gain what they perceive they are owed.
Lack of education can contribute to crime. Individuals without proper education may lack job prospects, which could steer them towards criminal activities.
Alcohol and drugs often play a significant role in causing crime. Both can impair judgement and can lead to addiction, forcing individuals into criminal activities to sustain their habits.

Political Factors

Changes in laws can directly cause an increase or decrease in crimes being committed, as certain actions may become criminalised or decriminalised.
Riots and revolts can become more common during times of political unrest and dissatisfaction.

Technological Factors

Advancements in technology have enabled new kinds of crime, such as cybercrime, identity theft, and online scamming.

Environmental Factors

Urbanisation can contribute to crime, with dense population areas often experiencing higher crime rates.
Geographical location and local resources can also influence the types of crimes that are committed, for instance areas rich in minerals could see more theft or smuggling related crimes.

Religious and Cultural Factors

Religion and culture have both been seen as causes of crime throughout history. For instance, certain cultural practices may be considered illegal within the bounds of a particular jurisdiction.
Cultural transitions or conflicts may also result in a rise in crime.

Remember, understanding the diverse root causes of crime can give a deeper insight into changes in crime and punishment over the centuries. Always consider these causative factors in context of the specific historical period being studied.