Degree

BS (Social Sciences & Liberal Arts)

Faculty / School

School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS)

Department

Department of Social Sciences & Liberal Arts

Date of Award

Spring 2024

Date of Submission

2024-09-12

Advisor

Dr. Ali Gibran Siddiqui, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences

Project Type

SSLA Culminating Experience

Access Type

Restricted Access

Keywords

Mugging, Cost of Living, Crime, Mixed Methods, Karachi

Abstract

This research study examines the correlation between the rising costs of living and the increased rate of muggings in the neighborhoods of DHA and Clifton in Karachi, Pakistan. As economic conditions in the city deteriorate by the day, the cost of living in the metropolis has increased drastically, affecting every aspect of daily life from housing to healthcare. At the same time, a notable increase in mugging incidents has been recorded in these two respective neighborhoods, prompting an investigation to determine whether there is a relationship existing between these two variables.

This study uses a mixed methods approach, using quantitative data from surveys, and qualitative information from interviews with residents, economists, and law enforcement officials. The quantitative analysis consists of a structured questionnaire that records the perceptions of the residents in relation to economic status and personal security, while the qualitative component includes detailed interviews that provide relevant information on the broader socioeconomic challenges present and their linkages with crime rates. Initial findings display a strong link between the variables of cost of living and mugging rates, with survey responses indicating clearly that residents perceive an increase in economic hardship relating directly to an increase in street crimes. Insights recorded in the interviews further support the stance, highlighting inefficient policing and existing socioeconomic dynamics as a cause of the rising cost of living. The study also presents a literature review, establishing a framework based on existing information that supports the observed patterns; being those that connect the increasing economic hardship with higher crime rates.

This research study proves a notable contribution to academic discussions on urban crime dynamics, offering various insights that could guide policy formulation and derive methods to address and improve the shortcomings present in relation to the two variables.

Pages

51

Download

The full text of this document is only accessible to authorized users.

Share

COinS