Question

Manav, aged eleven years, was raised by a single parent. He had three younger siblings. His mother worked hard but often found it difficult to provide for the family. Manav understood his mother's struggles but also felt tempted to own some expensive items like his friends. So, he began stealing expensive gadgets from shops but was soon caught by the police. He was taken into police custody for theft.

1. Which term can be used to describe Manav's criminal behaviour?
2. Discuss any six reasons to explain why Manav took to crime.

Answer 1

1. One word that might be used to characterise the act of a financially poor youngster stealing pricey products from a store is "petty theft" or "poverty-driven theft.
2. The following six factors may contribute to "petty theft" or "poverty-driven theft":
   1. Financial Desperation: People who are living in great poverty may turn to petty theft as a way to pay for essentials or take care of urgent requirements.
   2. Lack of Resources: People who live in poverty and have limited access to resources like food, shelter, healthcare, and education may turn to stealing as a means of surviving.
   3. Social Disparities: People from marginalized communities may resort to petty theft as a coping mechanism for issues that occur as a result of social injustice and limited access to opportunities and resources.
   4. Peer pressure and cultural norms: In underprivileged environment, petty theft may be normalised or even encouraged as a copin? mechanism for social or financial constraints.
   5. Limited Legal Employment Possibilities: People who are poor or unemployed may turn. to petty theft as a substitute source of income due to a lack of proper employment opportunities.
   6. Circle of Poverty: People who are impoverished may feel obliged to steal in order to fulfil their needs. This can lead to a circle of economic suffering.

Conclusion: A combination of structural, social, and economic factors can lead to petty theft or poverty-driven theft, where individuals steal to survive or deal with financial difficulties. To combat poverty-related theft and break the cycle of poverty and vulnerability, it's important to understand the root reasons.