Causes And Consequences Of Overcrowding

Overcrowding has been an issue for decades; however, due to growing population sizes, its negative social consequences are progressively worsening. Large cities and other urban developments attract people for many different reasons. As Steven E. Barkan, a professor in Sociology at the University of Maine, explains, cities provide it all: entertainment, cultural attractions, and employment opportunities (Barkan, 2012). Similarly, living in a city allows for easy access to public transportation, businesses, and other necessities. Because of this, locals and immigrants often flock to promising urban developments. The levels of overcrowding differ depending on factors such as housing availability and affordability, income, and immigrant …show more content…
This is partially as a result of the intense emotions caused by overcrowding. Crowding has a high likelihood of causing stress, depression, and even mental illnesses such as schizophrenia (Barkan, 2012). John Braithwaite, a criminologist at the Australian National University, expounds on this by explaining that these emotions commonly contribute to aggressive behavior. Such behavior can quickly lead to criminal activity if one becomes irritated or frustrated. Crowding also leads to other consequences such as poverty and homelessness. These consequences additionally contribute to similar emotions such anxiety and trauma. Such emotions can lead to impulsive decisions based on fear and irrational anger. Both actions have a high probability of leading to crime. It’s equally important to understand that overcrowded cities have more people, therefore more potential criminals (Barkan, 2012). Likewise, there are more potential victims to hurt, homes to rob, and cars to break into (Braithwaite, 1975). Another issue is the fact that it’s simply easier to carry out criminal activity in high populated cities. It’s challenging for cities to establish effective social control and organization in these population-dense areas, which makes it easier for people to get away with crime (Braithwaite, …show more content…
As cities become increasingly overcrowded, poverty continues in an endless cycle, crime rates are extremely high, and educational systems experience failure and low academic performance. Action must be taken. There are various factors that must be considered in order to solve the issues caused by overcrowding. Cities should evaluate new structural patterns that space out people and resources in an effective way. It’s also crucial that employment opportunities and housing situations, especially low-income housing, are carefully managed. As population growth persists in confined areas, it’s imperative that thorough steps are taken. By ensuring that everyone has the resources they need in order to thrive in today’s world, people will find new ways to contribute to our society. Through this, society can be improved and