Expert: Jordan's rising crime rates linked to economic pressure, social shifts

Sociology and criminology professor Dr. Hussein Al-Mahadin emphasized that the rise in crime rates in Jordan is linked to several interconnected factors, most notably the rapid changes in the structure of Jordanian society and the economic pressures faced by citizens, particularly youth.

Speaking on Roya's Nabd Al-Balad, Mahadin explained that in recent years, Jordanian society has experienced a kind of tension in its social fabric. He attributed this to the retreat of the public sector in favor of the private sector economically, which has exacerbated poverty and unemployment rates and widened the gap between social classes. This, he said, has led to what he described as “social pathological symptoms,” most notably the rising crime rates.

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He pointed to the lack of social solidarity and the dominance of individualistic thinking, driven by economic conditions, as contributing factors to the increase in crime. He also cited the weakening roles of families, educational institutions, and religious bodies in shaping social behavior.

Mahadin said that the youth demographic—which is the largest in Jordan—is the most vulnerable to committing crimes due to a culture of experimentation and lack of opportunities, especially amid rampant unemployment, delayed marriage, and rising divorce rates. He also noted the impact of technology and illicit online relationships, which have contributed to the surge in moral crimes.

He added that the desire of some individuals to get rich quickly in a capitalist economic environment has pushed them to commit crimes such as armed robbery, bad checks, and debt-related offenses.

He also warned that the content consumed by youth on social media deepens their sense of disconnect between their real lives and what they see online.

Mahadin noted that some crimes are committed by individuals who had previously served prison sentences and returned to society without proper rehabilitation, making them more likely to reoffend.

He welcomed the implementation of alternative sentencing measures, including electronic tagging devices, considering it a progressive legislative step that reflects an evolving perspective on punishment. Modern studies, he said, advocate for addressing the root causes of criminal behavior rather than relying solely on traditional, retributive punishments.