This kinda sums the whole discussion really. We have an article that doesn't really go deep into the issue, and let's everyone come up with their own "all my homies say that XXXX" version of the root causes.
The best answer is probably that it's complicated, poverty plays a role, but so do many other critical factors (e.g. a decent summary of the studies in the field: https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00XGJN.pdf )
> This kinda sums the whole discussion really. We have an article that doesn't really go deep into the issue, and let's everyone come up with their own "all my homies say that XXXX" version of the root causes.
It's definitely anecdotal. But I think it justifies my skepticism of the claim that eliminating poverty would "eliminate the vast majority of thefts..." The parent comment didn't provide any data to support that thesis, and it doesn't align with my experiences.
> The best answer is probably that it's complicated, poverty plays a role, but so do many other critical factors
Yes, exactly. But that's what I'm arguing: poverty isn't the only factor in property crime. And while it's nice to imagine a world in which poverty doesn't exist, I think that cultural factor combined with inequality and opportunism will cause theft to remain.
> I've heard that [...]
This kinda sums the whole discussion really. We have an article that doesn't really go deep into the issue, and let's everyone come up with their own "all my homies say that XXXX" version of the root causes.
The best answer is probably that it's complicated, poverty plays a role, but so do many other critical factors (e.g. a decent summary of the studies in the field: https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00XGJN.pdf )