An Investigation into the Possible Correlation between Loss of Religious Values in American Culture and an Increased Crime Rate

by

Acknowledgement

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

Abstract

This dissertation is based on research on possible correlation between loss of religious values in American culture and an increased rate of crime. Increasing rate of crime is generally resulting of loss of religious values, because every religion teaches us positive behaviors and peace. There is no religion in world that preaches war and crime. In this world at present time, not only nation to nation but the continent to depend to the large extent. Therefore, it is essential that the true partnership with the good motive. Then we can solve many problems. Good relationships, heart to heart, person to person, it is very important and very necessary. Everything depends on good reasons. In general, this will help us reduce crime rates in our society. This dissertation uses the quantitative methodology to demonstrate correlation between loss of religious values of America and crime rate. Religion just has not been the central issue in most tests political attitudes towards crime, punishment and rehabilitation of offenders. This study attempts to provide the fuller understanding of differences through investigation of religion, in one analysis, Americans and non-American views through various policy aspects of crime and prison policy.

Table of Contents

ABSTRACT1

An Investigation into the Possible Correlation between Loss of Religious Values in American Culture and an Increased Crime Rate3

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION3

Background3

CHAPTER II: LITERATURE REVIEW6

Theoretical Perspectives6

Empirical Evidence of the Breach of Religion14

Incivilities, social ties, and outcomes related to crime16

Attachment to place, incivilities, and crime19

THE block-level and individual-level vulnerability to crime21

Research strategy23

CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY24

Sampling24

Dependent variables25

Support for rehabilitation and punishment25

Support for liberal and conservative policies of crime28

Independent variables29

CHAPTER IV: RESULTS31

Bivariate analyses31

Multivariate Analysis34

CHAPTER V: DISCUSSION38

Five research assessment gaps common in current crime policies46

Lack of evaluation of need for specific policies47

Design themes: theory of crime and search for silver bullet "solutions"53

Limited use of theory of crime in development of crime policy53

Problem with silver bullet "solutions"56

Implementation issues: disagreements between theory and practice57

Limited relevance of existing impact assessments of crime policy61

Rigorous impact evaluations are needed61

Problems with experimental designs62

Impact assessments are often not possible or necessary69

Few cost-effectiveness analyses70

CHAPTER VI: CONCLUSION76

REFERENCES83

An Investigation into the Possible Correlation between Loss of Religious Values in American Culture and an Increased Crime Rate

Chapter I: Introduction

Background

For over six decades, political scientists have devoted considerable attention to differences between Americans and non-Americans on political preferences and voting behavior. Greater efforts have been made to understand religious differences from 1980 presidential election. In fact, it has become commonplace to refer to the "religion gap" in election of ...