How the Great Depression Impacted U.S. Crime Rates & Social Change in the 1930s/1940s

Abstract

SOCIAL CHANGE THROUGH THE DECADES The 1930s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSfzFWU5LbY) How Great Depression affected the U.S crime rate The Great Depression had negative impact on America’s economic stability triggering crime rates in a great manner. Basically, the Great Depression increased unemployment, poverty and desperation amongst Americans (3:04-9:02). Such hardships in most cases correlates with higher crime rates as people try to keep up with their basic demands thus resorting to desperate measures for survival like theft among other crimes of necessity. Economic desperation made many to struggle to make ends meet thus turning into crimes like theft, burglary and violent crimes. The social unrest due to limited support from the government led to protests, civil disobedience and strikes which in most cases resulted into riot among other forms of social unrest (18:20-19:50). Last but not least, the Great Depression had serious impact on mental health due to the stress and strains of the economic downturn triggering mental instability amongst citizens. Such a problem potentially contributed into higher crime rates. How recover programs started by Roosevelt in 1930s contributed too crime rate of the time and crime rate now It is open that Roosevelt started programs like the “New Deal” aimed at providing relief, recovery as well as reform the economic stability of the nation. Since the New Deal incorporated many programs like public works, social security and welfare, they helped significantly in alleviating some economic pressures which in a way lowered some crimes that were driven by economic desperation (38:34-40:50). It is also open that social security and national banking provided citizens with jobs positively impacting crime rates. Through job provision and support, the programs potentially lowered crime rates that were mostly associated with poverty and unemployment. These programs had a long lasting effect as they contributed to a more stable economic environment as well as a stronger social safety net. Such a change automatically has a lasting impact on crime rates as directly addressed the underlying social and economic factors that triggered and would trigger criminal behavior. Currently, the legacy of those programs still remains well reflected in the social safety net and welfare programs. However, as much as crime rates still fluctuates for differing reasons but the establishment of social programs has significantly helped in mitigating some of the extreme economic despair that can trigger crime rates during times of economic depression. 1940s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMWYblZ8gwQ) How men going out and committing heinous acts in defense of the country changed their definition of crime The 1940s remains well defined by the WW2 era. During this time, many men were forced into military services as they were facing situations that made them engage in combat. Such engagements lead these men to committing acts like killing enemy soldiers or civilians which under normal circumstance would be considered as crime (1:07-3:25). However, due to the pressures of the war, their perception towards crime changed. It is open that during war, any action like killing that would be perceived as crime during normalcy remains justified under the context of defending the nation or fulfillment of military duty. Such a justification changed those men perception towards crime defining their acts as necessary and heroic. They had to fight for their country and defend its economic stability thus viewing their brutal defense as moral and ethical (11: 25-14:48). Unfortunately, since most of them were not military or had no experience in militia code of ethics and principles, after war, most suffered as they struggled to readjust to civilian life. It is a post-war adjustment that would lead to mental instability associated with PSTD as well as serious difficulties in adapting to peacetime law and regulations. How change in women role during the war created conflict within the society Based on the clips, it is clear that when men left for war, women were left behind handling their chores as well as adjusting to men roles (11:25-14:48). To this effect, one can argue that the war time mobilized these women to challenge the assumed traditional gender roles which were deeply ingrained in the American society. Women started entering the workforce in large numbers disrupting the notion of men as the sole breadwinners and women as house wives. Such an attitude brought about resistance from the society. Social and cultural backlash became a real experience as some segments of the society viewed the entry of female into male dominated occupation as a threat to the societal norms and values. It is a resistance that manifested into discriminatory practices and attitude towards working women who by the time their men returned from war could not understand why they could quite their newly acquired out of home opportunities. The post-war adjustment proved a serious challenge as societal expectations for women to return to their previous roles intensified creating tension as these women were not willing to abandon their economic independence. The 1950s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6dsc5p5-3A) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VdXTw4q6y8 How introduction of Rock and Roll and Jackie Robinson to the society influenced the need for change after the war One can argue that the introduction of Rock and Roll music in the 50s had a profound cultural impact among young people most particularly the black (5:55-9:51). Rock and Roll is a music genre associated with African Americans as influenced by African American musical traditions. The genre became a drive for cultural expression as well as rebellion against social norm as equality amongst American regardless of intersecting identities proved a challenge. Fortunately, white youths embraced this genre leading to greater cultural integration thus breaking down racial barriers in music consumption and appreciation. On the other hand, Jackie Robinson’s integration into the major Baseball League in the 1947 proved a significant milestone in civil rights movement (21:38-29:29). Since all had participated in war and now the country was at peace, equality for all whether black or white became the new business with influences like Robinson taking the lead. His success and resilience in the context of racial discrimination challenged societal perception of African American’s rights and capabilities. He became a symbol of equality ad progress which inspired the people of color to push for civil rights reforms. Basically, the popularity of Rock and Roll and Jackie Robinson has significant impact on civil rights movement as served as an eye opener on why fighting for equality for all was relevant as all humans deserved to enjoy the fruits of a peaceful economically developing nation. How huge increase in population in the 50s influenced crime statistics as children became of age Baby Boomers became the main beneficiaries of the after war era in America (3:04-7:00). Basically, the decades of the 50s witnessed significant increase in birth rates of baby boomers. This population of children grew into young adults through the late 50s and 60s which represented a huge demographic cohort into the society. Due to the large size of the baby boom generation, youth crime became a challenge of the time. One may associate these cries to peer pressure as each youth sought approval into a peer group. On the other hand, the social changes like the cultural shifts of the 50s especially with regard to traditional values, norms and authority also contributed in crime patterns (21:28-29:29). In short, generational conflict and cultural upheaval played a significant role in fueling youth crime rates during this time as well as leading to a continuous influence on crime statistics in the subsequent decades. The 1960 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93iBar-VrqA) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jET2qR8Y-Ng) The victim and the aggressor when it comes to social unrest The 1960s brought about a period of unrest with civil right movements aimed at acquiring equality for all Americans (18:23-24:00). While arguing from the civil rights movement point of view, it is clear that the oppressed that in this case were the African American and their supported proved to be the potential victims. These are the people who were experiencing systemic racism, discrimination and violence which was perpetrated by state authorities and vigilant groups like the Ku Klux Klan. Their aggressors were those who worked tirelessly to maintain segregation, upholding discriminatory laws and suppressors of civil rights demonstrations and in these cases they were all the Whites who believed that they cannot be equal to the people of color. In the Vietnam War protests, the demonstrators were the main victims (35:15-38:00). They became victims following the unjust war and government policies that left young men in the fight which proved a distant conflict. The aggressors were those in power who perpetuates the war and used the force to quell dissent. Unfortunately, such an act of selfishness and greed lead many victims into hardships, injuries and death in severe cases. Lastly, while considering the counter-cultural movements of the 60’s like the hippie movement and student protests that challenged the societal norms and values, those that participated in the protests/movements served as the main victims. Unfortunately, the government, corporations and mainstream culture proved oppressive serving as the perceived aggressors. Basically, during social unrest, those suffering and advocating for change serves as the main victim while those forcing implementation of unjust policies serves as the main aggressors. How assassination of prominent leaders during the 60s affected public view of the criminal justice system in terms of being able to protect its citizens During the 1960’s, various prominent leaders like John F. Kennedy, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr, and Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated (37:54-42:09). These assassinations led to widespread distrust in the ability of the criminal justice system and law enforcement agencies to protect public figures and ensure justice. The public now feared their safety witnessing that even those in power had no one to protect them....