New Year’s Eve, we are gathered at a friend’s house and just like with most Greek gatherings, the conversation turns political.
The conversation is about homelessness, youth problems and criminality, which inevitably triggered my criminological reflexes…
The key to solving many of the complex sociological and criminological issues that plague our society is by investing in education. This is because education has the power to transform lives, break cycles of poverty and crime, and build a more equitable and just society.
One of the most effective ways to address social and criminal issues is through preventative criminology, which focuses on preventing crime from occurring in the first place rather than simply reacting to it after it has already happened. This approach recognises that crime is often the result of underlying social and economic issues, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity. By addressing these root causes through education, we can help to prevent crime from occurring in the first place. Education is an important aspect of preventative criminology, as it can help to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to make positive choices and avoid engaging in criminal behavior.
Research has shown that children who grow up in poverty are more likely to engage in criminal behavior later in life. By providing quality education and support to these children, we can help to break the cycle of poverty and crime and create a more stable and prosperous society. Similarly, education can help to reduce the risk of recidivism among individuals who have already been involved in the criminal justice system. By providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, we can help them to turn their lives around and become productive members of society.
Investing in education is also a more cost-effective solution to social and criminal issues than relying on punitive responses. The costs of incarceration and other punitive measures can be extremely high, and they do little to address the underlying causes of crime. By contrast, investing in education can provide long-term benefits for both individuals and society as a whole. It can lead to higher levels of employment and income, which can in turn reduce the likelihood of crime and other social problems.
Investing in education is the key to solving many of the complex sociological and criminological issues that plague our society. By focusing on preventative measures and providing individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, we can create a more stable, prosperous, and equitable society for all.
Kristian Raspa 
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