An Investigation of the Impact of Poverty and Unemployment on Criminal Behaviour among Youths: An Empirical Approach

Prof. Dr. Naimatullah Shah1, Dr. Bahadur Ali Soomro2 and Abdul Jaleel Mirjat3

Abstract
The present paper aims to investigate the impact of poverty and unemployment on criminal behavior among adults and youths in Pakistan. A conceptual framework as developed on the basis of dependent and independent variables. The descriptive method reasonably employed for collection of the crosssectional data through a survey questionnaire. In total, 252 valid samples as applied for the conclusion. By using to SPSS and AMOS 26.00 version software, the overall results of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) resulted that poverty and
unemployment have a positive and significant impact on criminal behavior among the
youth/adults of Pakistan. Henceforth, these individuals are easily lured into criminal
activities because of low socio-economic background. Furthermore, the study
recommended that the government, non-government agencies and other general public
organizations should embark on adults and adults empowerment programs that
alleviate unemployment and poverty. Further, it boosts up the adolescent
concentration and directing towards better and rewarding activities as well as
strategies.

Keywords: criminal behavior, poverty, unemployment, frustration, youths,
Pakistan