How do motoring offences demonstrate the impact of technology on crime?

They represent a completely new category of crime that didn't exist prior to the 20th century. Technology provided both the target (cars) and the means of commission (speeding/reckless driving).

What is the primary difference between 'cybercrime' and 'traditional theft' regarding the criminal's risk?

Cybercrime offers anonymity and the ability to commit crimes from a distance, greatly reducing the immediate physical risk of capture compared to traditional theft. This makes it a high-reward, lower-risk alternative for modern criminals.

How does modern 'relative poverty' compare to Medieval 'absolute poverty' as a cause of crime?

Medieval poverty was often about basic survival (famine), leading to theft of food. Modern relative poverty is about the gap between the rich and poor in a consumerist society, leading to theft of status symbols or drug-related crime to escape social conditions.

What is the common error in assuming that technology 'causes' crime?

Technology is a facilitator, not a cause. It provides the tools and environment for crime, but the underlying motivation (greed, hatred, or social exclusion) is usually rooted in human nature or social conditions.

Why is it incorrect to view 'gang culture' as a purely modern invention?

While 'gang culture' is prominent in modern inner cities, organized criminal groups have existed throughout history. The error is ignoring historical continuities in how young men seek belonging and status through violence when legitimate paths are blocked.

What is the risk of attributing all drug crime to 'addiction' alone?

It ignores the role of legislation and economic profit. For many, the drug trade is a lucrative business model created by the illegality of the substances (Misuse of Drugs Act 1971) rather than a simple issue of personal addiction.

Define 'Urban Decay' in the context of criminal sociology.

It is the process whereby a previously functioning city, or part of a city, falls into disrepair and decrepitude. This environment often leads to high crime rates due to unemployment, poor housing, and a lack of social services.

What is 'Cyberterrorism'?

It is the use of computer technology and the internet to conduct violent acts that result in, or threaten, loss of life or significant bodily harm, in order to achieve political or ideological gains through intimidation.

Define 'Hate Crime' based on modern legal standards.

A crime motivated by prejudice or hostility toward a person's race, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. It is a category of crime that has seen increased recognition and prosecution in the late 20th century.

How does social media contribute to the growth of modern terrorism?

Social media allows for rapid radicalization and the spread of propaganda to a global audience. It also provides a platform for groups to claim responsibility and inspire 'lone wolf' attacks through media coverage and peer copycatting.

Causes of Crime in the 20th & 21st Centuries | WJEC Eduqas GCSE History

Changes in Crime & Punishment in Britain c.500 to the Present

Causes of Crime in the 20th & 21st Centuries

Summary

Crime in the modern era is characterized by a complex interplay between rapid technological advancement, significant shifts in social structures, and evolving ideological landscapes. While historical drivers like poverty persist, the methods of commission and the emergence of entirely new categories of crime reflect a world that is increasingly digital, urbanized, and pluralistic.

1. Definition & Core Concepts

Modern Criminality: Unlike the survival-based crimes of the Medieval era, modern crime is often defined by the exploitation of technological infrastructure and the breakdown of traditional social cohesion. This era sees the transition from physical theft to digital extraction and the rise of crimes driven by global communication networks.
Digital Transformation: The 20th and 21st centuries introduced the concept of the 'virtual' crime scene, where anonymity and distance allow for large-scale operations without physical contact. This shift has necessitated a redefinition of law enforcement strategies and legal frameworks to address intangible harms.
Urban Decay & Social Fragmentation: This concept refers to the physical and social deterioration of inner cities, often characterized by high unemployment and poor housing. These environments create 'breeding grounds' for crime by reducing community monitoring and limiting legitimate economic opportunities.

Isometric diagram showing the three main categories of crime causes: Technology, Social Shifts, and Economics.

2. Underlying Principles

Facilitation vs. Causation: Technology is often a facilitator rather than a primary cause; it provides new tools for age-old criminal impulses like greed or anger. For instance, the internet does not cause theft but creates global opportunities for hacking and fraud that were previously impossible.
Reduced Informal Social Control: As communities become more transient and family structures change, the 'eyes on the street'—traditional community monitoring—decrease. This reduction in informal pressure allows for the rise of anti-social behavior and gang culture in densely populated areas.
The Romanticization Effect: Modern media, including television and social media, can glorifying criminal lifestyles, particularly gang culture. This creates a cultural feedback loop where youth may copy behaviors seen on screen, viewing criminality as a viable path to status and wealth.

3. Methods & Techniques

4. Key Distinctions

5. Exam Strategy & Tips

6. Common Pitfalls & Misconceptions