This article is written by Jyoti Rai, a First Year law student at C.M.P. Degree College, University of Allahabad.
ABSTRACT
Criminology is the body of knowledge regarding crime as a social phenomenon. The branch includes the processes of making laws , and of reacting toward the breaking laws . Criminal behaviour is behaviour in violation of the Criminal law , no matter what degree of brutal, immoral or indecency of an act it is not crime unless it is prohibited by the criminal law . The general statistics of Crime and Criminals are probably the most unreliable and most difficult of all statistics, One such crime that seems to have originate in the society rapidly due to the economic crisis is rising unemployment and which directly causes the crime. Moreover the article also highlights how unemployment act as a driving factor behind the psychological stress which compel a jobless individual to commit a crime first at local stage for essential survival for him and fulfilling family needs. The article concludes by discussing the policy implications of addressing unemployment as critical social, economic problem for psychological safety of individual, public safety and social stability.
KEYWORD
Crime, Unemployment , Criminology , Economic Activity
INTRODUCTION
A crime epidemic appears to have erupted in many advanced economies, raising questions on whether higher unemployment leads to greater incidence of crime. When a capable and qualified person who is willing to work at the available wage rate is not able to find work then such a situation is known as Unemployment. Unemployment disrupts the economic growth of the country. Unemployment is not just an economics issue of an individual but a problem that hits the human at its core such as affecting the dignity, self esteem , family relationship and social stability.
Unemployment also has many other effects to it and one of them is increase in crime. It was observed in many studies that unemployment and crime are always correlated and exists in proportional , The higher the unemployment and higher the rising crime. However unemployment does not automatically turned the people criminal. The prolong consequences creates condition that increase the inclination towards criminal activity for basic survival.
Poverty , frustration , inequality lack of job opportunities and need of money for daily usage pushes a vulnerable individual towards illegal means of survival. The article examines the relationship between unemployment and the rising crime , it causes , solutions while emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities , eradicating unemployment poverty rather than just punishing offenders.
OVERVIEW OF THE TOPIC SIGNIFICANCE
Unemployment and crime are two of the most pressing issues facing societies worldwide. The connection between them is multifaceted, involving economic, psychological, and social factors. High unemployment rates can lead to increased crime rates as individuals may turn to illegal activities out of economic necessity or due to the
psychological strain of being unemployed. This, in turn, can have profound effects on community safety, economic development, and social cohesion.
UNDERSTANDING UNEMPLOYMENT
India posses one of the world’s youngest population creating enormous opportunities and achieving success on one hand as well as facing significant challenges on the other hand. India with its population over 1.4 billion having job opportunities estimated at 500 million . Despite being one of the fastest growing economies in the world it struggles with the major problem of unemployment specifically youth population between n the age( 20 to 28) who are the backbone and bright future of any country. As per Centre for Monitoring Economy India’s unemployment rate hovers around 8% nationally with higher figures in urban centres. Youth consist of 20% unemployed population moreover educated unemployment includes those who are acquiring higher degree education post graduates graduates , those preparing for government jobs remain jobless and unemployment. .
Since the unemployed do not have a job this results in them having very low or no income. Critical bills such as food expenses, healthcare and living expenses are covered by their savings or loans since they do not have any other source of income. If an unemployed is the primary breadwinner of the family, then he must tackle additional challenges as he not only has to take care of his personal expenses but also provide for the needs of his family. Due to this the unemployed sector are usually thrown into debt traps and pushing them into a financial crisis
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN UNEMPLOYMENT & CRIME
The relationship between unemployment and crime is complex. Being unemployed is not a sole purpose of committing crime. Other reasons for committing crime such as education , family environment , substance , abuse , social inequality, ineffective government , peer influence also play major roles. The relationship between unemployment and crime has long been studies by economist
,increases social and economic pressures that may contribute to criminal behaviour. A person struggling to meet basic needs may experience desperation. When legal opportunities disappear, illegal alternatives may appear more attractive. Financial stress, combined with social isolation and emotional distress, can weaken moral restraints and increase susceptibility to criminal networks.
Young people are particularly vulnerable. A prolonged period of unemployment during youth can lead to frustration, loss of confidence, and involvement in gangs, drug trafficking, cybercrime, theft, or other illegal activities.
At the same time, communities with high unemployment often experience declining public trust, reduced investment, weakened social institutions, and increased opportunities for organized crime. Developing countries such as INDIA, CHINA other South East Countries are hindered by the development because of the two ills of the society . One crime and other unemployment , a larger portion of the country even left behind and is unfit for basic survivals they can’t dream big because they can barely survive for loving. Its hard for them to beat the long lashing poverty. What they think is barely what they eat tomorrow. There survival became their utmost objective to life. In our country like India politicians used these weak people just for their sake of vote bank, not for their development. In any country youth people are the foundation of the country, and the discrimination with these generation is serious gambling with the future of the country.
DOES UNEMPLOYMENT ALWAYS LEADS TO CRIME ?
Unemployment should be consider as risk factor rather than a direct cause of crime. A person does not became criminal by virtue of being unemployed. This is also not true that unemployed are always criminal. Millions of unemployed individuals remain honest, hard working and law-abiding despite facing severe hardships. Several factors influence whether unemployment translates into criminal behaviour such as strong family support ,quality education ,ethical values, religious and community , effective policy making ,social welfare programs etc. To deal with such rising problem we have to first break the cycle. To reduce the crime we have to first address underlying cause rather than a just punishing offenders. We have to thrown out the robust problem from its root that attaches the stigma and passes generation by generation to specific group of society and tarnish the standards of family.
KEY CAUSE OF UNEMPLOYMENT IN INDIA
The unemployment problem in India cannot be understood merely by examining statistical data. Behind every unemployed individual lies a story of aspirations, family responsibilities, financial struggles, and lost opportunities. One of the primary causes of unemployment in India is rapid population growth. Every year, millions of young people enter the labour market, but the economy is unable to generate employment opportunities at the same pace.
One of the most significant causes of unemployment in India is the gap between the rapidly growing workforce and the limited availability of quality jobs. Every year, millions of young people complete their education and enter the labour market with hopes of building successful careers.
However, the economy has not been able to create enough employment opportunities to accommodate this increasing number of job seekers. At the same time, many graduates find that the knowledge and skills they acquired in educational institutions do not match the practical requirements of employers. The continued dependence on agriculture, where many people are engaged in low-productivity or seasonal work, further adds to the problem. Rapid technological advancements and automation have also reduced the demand for certain traditional jobs, particularly for workers who lack digital or technical skills. Regional disparities in industrial development, limited growth of labour-intensive industries, and inadequate support for entrepreneurship further restrict employment opportunities. As a result, unemployment in India is not caused by a single factor but by a combination of economic, educational, technological, and structural challenges that require coordinated policy reforms and sustained investment in skill development and job creation.
Unemployment in India is not merely an economic indicator; it reflects the aspirations and struggles of millions seeking dignity, security, and meaningful work. Although India’s economy continues to grow, employment generation has not kept pace with the expanding workforce. Population growth, skill mismatches, technological change, dependence on agriculture, regional disparities, and inadequate industrial development collectively contribute to this complex challenge. The solution lies not in a single policy but in sustained efforts involving government, educational institutions, industries, and society. By investing in quality education, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening manufacturing, and ensuring inclusive growth, India can transform its demographic potential into a powerful engine of economic development. Employment is more than earning a livelihood—it provides dignity, social inclusion, and hope. Creating productive and sustainable jobs should therefore remain one of India’s highest national priorities.
Legal framework & Right related to Unemployment
The Constitution Of India does not explicitly expressed “Right to Employment” as a fundamental right, several provision the right to work and employed
Article 21 of the Constitution of India:- Guarantee the right to life and personal liberty.
DPSP :- Article 39, 41 and 43 right to adequate means of livelihood and work opportunities.
JUDICIAL INFLUENCE:- In the case of OLGA TELLIS V/s BOMBAY MUNICIPAL CORPORATION (1985) The landmark judgment laid the foundation for considering employment not just as an economic need but as a legal and constitutional aspiration.
ROLE OF SOCIETY
These ills can’t be addressed solely by the government . A single reform , policy can’t be sufficient to address the problem itself, most probably not possible in the country like INDIA, where it takes years to give solution to any problem. The system of country works after loss. The principle of deliberation and discussion was added by the constituent assembly , for the sake of people in order that any perspective should not be violative, but the thing is that the system is too late in addressing and targeting the issues that exist in society nerves. They work on any issue after a significant section of people get affected. Civil society can stop stigmatizing unemployed individuals and instead encourage inclusion and opportunity. When society treats unemployment as a shared challenge rather than individual failure, solutions become more efficient and compassionate.
A HUMAN STORY BEHIND THE TACTICS
Every unemployment figure represents a real person—a graduate searching for their first job, a factory worker laid off after years of service, a parent struggling to provide for children, or a young entrepreneur whose business failed. Similarly, every crime statistic reflects victims, families, and communities affected by violence or loss. Understanding the human stories behind these numbers reminds us that policies should focus not only on economic growth but also on human dignity. A society that creates opportunities is less likely to produce desperation. A society that invests in education, employment, mental health, and justice builds resilience against crime.
CONCLUSION
Unemployment and rising crime are interconnected challenges that demand comprehensive and compassionate solutions. While unemployment alone does not cause criminal behaviour, prolonged joblessness can create economic hardship, psychological stress, social exclusion, and vulnerability to criminal influences. Rising crime, in turn, discourages investment, weakens communities, and further limits employment opportunities, creating a harmful cycle and when society take this as a individual failure and a stigma get attached to their reputation of being jobless. Recently the chief justice of India justice Surya Kant had given a judgment regarding the youth of the country as some unemployed youngsters as ‘COCKROACHES BECOME MEDIA AND SOCIAL MEDIA RTI ACTIVIST AND START EATING THE SYSTEM AS PARASITES’ Such statement by
Honourable justice has create a massive violence and the youths affected by this statement. Although the CJI has clarified what he said was to those who acquire fake degrees and tarnish the legal system, however,at a glance this statement shows the rational thinking of every individual of society. Breaking this cycle requires more than stricter laws. It requires policies that generate employment, improve education, promote entrepreneurship, strengthen mental health services, reduce inequality, and ensure equal opportunities for all. Governments, businesses, educational institutions, communities, and families must work together to create an environment where individuals can earn a dignified livelihood through lawful means. Ultimately, the fight against crime begins not only in courtrooms and police stations but also in classrooms, workplaces, skill-
development centres, and supportive communities. When people are given hope, meaningful opportunities, and the chance to build a secure future, society becomes safer, stronger, and more just. Investing in employment is therefore not only an economic necessity but also one of the most effective long-term strategies for preventing crime and promoting sustainable social development.
REFERENCES
Abhishek Gandhi, ‘Unemployment in India: A Deep Dive into Causes, Impacts, and Solutions’ (Dr. Abhishek Gandhi – Advocate, Delhi High Court, 25 July 2025)
Sheenu Sharma, ‘CJI Surya Kant clarifies “cockroaches” comment: “It was about fake-degree holders, not Indian youth”’ (The Financial Express, 22 May 2026)
Sarah Lee, ‘Unemployment and Crime: A Societal Perspective’ (Number Analytics Blog, 26 May 2025)
Olga Tellis v Bombay Municipal Corporation [1985] 2 SCC 544 (Supreme Court of India).
Constitution of India, arts 21,39, 41, 43.
