NCJ Number
87367
Journal
Indian Journal of Criminology Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1983) Pages: 38-41
Date Published
1983
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This Indian study indicates that a high incidence of drinking, gambling, beggary, theft, and sex offenses correlates with inadequate and overcrowded housing.
Abstract
The slum areas of Kanpur were selected for this study, because the highest number of crimes was reported from this city in 1971. The city was divided into six zones labeled the central business zone, the area of deterioration, residential areas, major factory areas, railway areas, and the canal areas. A portionate stratified sampling procedure was used in each zone to yield a total sample of 500 respondents. Data on housing conditions indicated that 51.2 percent had the worst possible housing conditions; 22.2 percent had adequate housing conditions; and 26.6 percent enjoyed average housing facilities. The worst housing consisted of one room without proper ventilation, light, water supply, electricity, toilets, and kitchen. The one room was generally inhabited by 7-9 persons and often 10-12 persons. The interviews focused on the incidence of drinking, gambling, beggary, theft, and sex offenses by household members. The data showed the incidence of all these offenses to be high, suggesting that inadequate and overcrowded housing breeds crime. Tabular data and 10 references are provided.