Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate personal and social dimensions of prisoners and committed crimes such as theft, robbery, burglary, and stick-up in Mashhad City. The statistical sample of the study incudes the prisoners of Mashhad Prison in 2013. The participants for this study were 5500 Iranian prisoners, sentencing for crimes such as theft, robbery, burglary, and stick-up and handling stolen goods. In order to carry out the study, available documents and characteristics of prisoners were used. In order to see to what extent characteristics of prisoners were congruent with their committed crimes, prisoners were grouped based on their social statuses such as their marital status, sex ratio, educational level, and occupational status. As well, the quantitative data were subjected to a set of statistical analyses. Data analysis indicates that old adults have the lowest proportion of stealing crimes at 5 percent and the highest proportion of crime is 38% (under age 22). What is clear is the impact of marital and educational status on stealing crimes. That is, 70% of prisoners are single, 16% of convicts are divorce and 14% of married prisoners are charged of stealing crime. As well, this research shows that 90% of offenders are under diploma and over 80% are unemployed. This study suggests by concluding that social characteristics of prisoners are strong factors and they are worth of paying serious attention. In fact, economic and social development can decrease crime rates. Social development is a reality and an urgent need. It can create new opportunities for all individuals in welfare, education, and crime prevention. It seems that Iran as a developing country requires an essential change in infrastructure, education and interactions. To do this, exploring the social dimensions of individuals and their needs enable policy makers to build better future.

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