POVERTY IN JORDAN AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO CRIME FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF CONVICTS IN CORRECTIONAL AND REHABILITATION CENTERS

Abstract

This study aimed at documenting the relationship between poverty and crime in Jordan from the point of view of convicts. A sample of (240) convicts ( 15% females , and 85% males ) in correctional and rehabilitation centers were selected randomly out of 1600 total convicts, which constitutes 15 % of convicts population . Data were collected from respondents by means of structured questionnaire , and SPSS software was used to analyze data . Findings reveal that the overwhelming majority of respondents were poor, or very poor. Most of them argued that poverty was a strong reason for committing crime , and that reducing poverty helps in reducing crime in society. Key concepts : poverty ,crime , General Security ,Correction and Rehabilitation