The impact of social welfare models on non-violent property crime : a Maltese perspective

Abstract

The relationship between poverty and crime is an extensive one, more so when considering the role of different welfare state models. This topic is widely stigmatised resulting in a lack of studies taking a structural perspective. This dissertation aimed to investigate the effects of poverty on property crime and analyse the role of social welfare models in the rates of poverty and property crime. The overall objective was to apply the findings to Malta and consider whether changes in the social welfare model can reduce property crime. To analyse these factors, the researcher used a quantitative secondary data analysis of official statistics. Findings indicated that the social welfare model of a country significantly impacts the levels of poverty and property crime, and social welfare models with higher rates of decommodification saw substantially lower rates of poverty and property crime in comparison to those models with highly commodified welfare services. This suggests that left-wing welfare policies are helpful in reducing rates of crime and poverty and proposes that Malta’s welfare services should be consolidated to reflect these findings.