Why Does Criminology Attract the Poor and Marginalized? - K. Jaishankar

Introduction

The field of criminology holds a unique position in the social sciences due to its focus on understanding crime, the justice system, and the often-overlooked societal factors that contribute to criminal behavior. Its appeal, however, seems disproportionately strong among individuals from poor and marginalized communities.

Indeed, criminology attracts students and scholars from disadvantaged backgrounds largely because it aligns with left-leaning ideologies that emphasize social justice, equity, and systemic critique. For those from marginalized backgrounds, criminology provides a pathway to advocate for change, while also challenging dominant structures that often perpetuate inequality. This is in stark contrast to other fields of study, such as business or engineering, which generally promise higher financial returns and are thus more attractive to wealthier individuals aiming to increase or secure their economic standing. Furthermore, the institutions that make up the criminal justice system—police departments, courts, and prisons—are chronically underfunded, reliant on government support, and unable to generate revenue. This financial dependency places the justice system and its representatives in a cycle of poverty themselves, which resonates with those who also struggle economically.

This article explores why criminology attracts these groups, proposing that criminology is essentially "of the poor, for the poor, and by the poor (Quote developed by K. Jaishankar, 2024)."

1. Criminology: A Discipline for the Marginalized

Criminology’s focus on understanding and mitigating social inequities has naturally attracted students and professors from underprivileged backgrounds. Many criminology students and faculty members come from poor and marginalized communities, a pattern that can be attributed to the left-leaning nature of the discipline. Criminology, as an academic pursuit, encourages the examination of social systems that perpetuate inequality, the very systems that often oppress the marginalized. This perspective aligns well with individuals who have firsthand experience of these struggles and who feel a sense of responsibility to address them through research, teaching, and advocacy.

Moreover, many of the students who gravitate toward criminology do so out of a desire to advocate for marginalized communities and to better understand the social mechanisms that lead to crime. Unlike wealthier students, who might prioritize fields with more lucrative career opportunities like engineering or business administration, students from disadvantaged backgrounds are often more concerned with issues of justice, fairness, and social change. Criminology offers them a platform to engage with these issues in a meaningful way.

2. Criminology and the Inadequately Funded Criminal Justice System

The criminal justice system itself—comprising police departments, the courts, and prison systems—is deeply intertwined with issues of poverty. These institutions often lack sufficient funding, operate under strained resources, and rely entirely on government budgets for sustenance. Unlike sectors such as healthcare or education, which can generate revenue through fees or tuition, the justice system is economically stagnant, unable to create a self-sustaining financial model. As a result, those working within the system, from police officers to public defenders, often earn modest salaries and face challenging working conditions. The “poverty” of the criminal justice system, therefore, mirrors the economic backgrounds of many of those who study criminology.

In practice, criminology students who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds can often relate to the financial struggles within the criminal justice system. They see parallels between their communities’ financial challenges and the limited resources of the justice institutions they study. This familiarity with economic hardship breeds empathy and a genuine desire to improve these systems, as they seek not just a career but an avenue for meaningful societal impact.

3. The Cycle of Poverty Among Offenders and Victims

One of the most significant aspects of criminology that attracts the poor and marginalized is its direct connection to the lives of those impacted by crime. Both offenders and victims in the criminal justice system are overwhelmingly from poor backgrounds. Poverty often leads individuals into criminal activity, whether due to lack of opportunities, desperation, or systemic inequities that limit upward mobility. Likewise, victims of crime are frequently members of the same disadvantaged communities, as they are more vulnerable to both criminal activity and inadequate protective resources.

For marginalized criminology students and scholars, the field is a means to confront and analyze the cycles of poverty and criminality that often define their own communities. Through studying criminology, they hope to understand these patterns and, ideally, contribute to policies and programs that can break these cycles. This drive is not just academic; it is personal. Many criminology scholars from marginalized backgrounds feel an ethical obligation to advocate for change and to address the systemic inequalities that have affected their own lives or the lives of those around them.

4. The Disparity of Justice: How Wealth Influences Outcomes

A stark divide exists in the criminal justice system between the outcomes experienced by the poor and those enjoyed by the wealthy. Wealthier individuals, even when guilty of crimes, often have access to legal resources that allow them to navigate the justice system in ways that lead to lenient sentences or, in some cases, complete exoneration. High-quality defense attorneys, the ability to post bail, and connections within the legal system all contribute to outcomes that poorer defendants could rarely hope to achieve.

This disparity is deeply troubling to criminologists who study the effects of socioeconomic status on justice outcomes. Criminology offers a platform to critique these inequalities and advocate for reforms that aim to create a more equitable justice system. For students from poorer backgrounds, this disparity serves as a powerful motivator, as they are more likely to have witnessed the consequences of this unequal system in their own communities. Criminology, then, becomes a vehicle for questioning and potentially dismantling a system that disproportionately punishes the poor while shielding the wealthy.

5. The Left-Leaning Nature of Criminology

Criminology’s left-leaning tendencies also contribute to its appeal among marginalized communities. The discipline is inherently critical of established power structures and often emphasizes social justice, human rights, and the need for reform. Many criminologists seek to expose the flaws in the criminal justice system, including police violence, racial/caste profiling, prison overcrowding, and the criminalization of poverty. This approach aligns with leftist ideologies, which prioritize social equity, government accountability, and systemic reform over the preservation of traditional power structures.

This leftward orientation has occasionally placed criminology at odds with more conservative or capitalist ideologies (The growth of Criminologies such as Radical, Critical, New and Left Realisim). A notable example is the closure of the Berkely School of Criminology at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1974. This institution, which had established itself as a leader in progressive criminological thought, was shut down under the administration of then-Governor Ronald Reagan, who viewed its left-leaning agenda as a threat to capitalist ideologies and conservative values. The Berkeley School of Criminology’s commitment to addressing structural inequities, coupled with its critique of the capitalist underpinnings of the criminal justice system, made it a target during a period of significant political tension in the United States. This incident underscores the way criminology’s focus on poverty and inequality can conflict with political interests that prioritize economic growth and security over social justice.

For students and faculty from poor and marginalized backgrounds, the left-leaning nature of criminology is both a source of inspiration and a call to action. They are drawn to the field because it not only acknowledges their struggles but also empowers them to work towards a fairer society. Unlike disciplines that may take a more neutral stance on social issues, criminology is explicit in its advocacy for the oppressed, making it a natural fit for those who have experienced hardship and are committed to addressing it.

6. Contrasting Criminology with High-Paying Professions

Another reason criminology appeals to the poor and marginalized is its stark contrast with other, more financially rewarding fields. High-income professions like engineering, medicine, and business administration are often pursued by individuals from wealthier backgrounds who prioritize financial gain and social status. These fields are generally seen as pathways to upward mobility and economic security, goals that are more pressing for those who already have financial stability.

Criminology, on the other hand, does not promise significant financial rewards or high social status. It is a field driven by a sense of purpose and a desire to create change rather than by the pursuit of wealth. Students from wealthier backgrounds, who may not feel the same urgency to address issues of poverty and injustice, are therefore less likely to gravitate towards criminology. For marginalized individuals, however, the field’s emphasis on social justice and reform is deeply resonant, as it aligns with their lived experiences and their desire to advocate for their communities.

7. Criminology as a Pathway for Marginalized Communities

In Western nations, criminology has attracted significant interest from Black communities and other marginalized groups who see the field as a means to address systemic inequities that disproportionately impact their lives. Many Black students and students from marginalized communities in the United States and other Western nations, for instance, enter criminology driven by the desire to understand and challenge the racial disparities that are prevalent in criminal justice, including higher rates of police encounters, incarceration, and sentencing severity. They view criminology not only as an academic pathway but as a tool for advocacy, aiming to promote fair treatment and systemic reform for marginalized communities.

In India, a similar pattern is evident among students from historically oppressed groups, including the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Muslims. Indian criminology departments see a high representation of these students, who are motivated to enter the field to understand and confront the injustices that have affected their communities for generations. The country's social hierarchy, deeply influenced by caste, has marginalized these communities economically, socially, and politically. Criminology offers SC/ST, OBC and Muslim students a platform to critique these inequalities and to work towards building a more inclusive justice system.

Interestingly, the field of criminology in India remains relatively underrepresented by individuals from affluent castes or privileged backgrounds, who often pursue careers in high-paying fields such as engineering, medicine, and business. This skewed representation further highlights criminology’s reputation as a discipline focused on the poor and marginalized, attracting students who have lived experiences of oppression and limited social mobility. Thus, whether in Western countries or in India, criminology continues to be shaped by those who understand the pressing need for justice reform on a personal level, ensuring that the voices of the marginalized are integral to the field’s development and impact.

8. Challenges in Marketing Criminology

The discipline of criminology faces unique challenges in academic marketing, often stemming from the demographic and experiential backgrounds of its professors and students. Unlike fields such as business, engineering or medicine, criminology tends to attract individuals from economically and socially marginalized communities, who may have firsthand experiences with systemic oppression. These personal histories can bring valuable perspectives to the study of crime and justice but also limit the discipline’s reach within affluent circles. Given that criminology’s research often focuses on issues of social justice, inequality, and the experiences of underrepresented groups, it does not readily align with the priorities of universities that are largely led by elites from privileged backgrounds. This disparity can result in limited institutional support and fewer networking opportunities with influential figures in academia, law, or policy-making circles.

Furthermore, professors of criminology, who frequently come from similar marginalized backgrounds, often lack the social capital and connections that are more accessible to those from affluent families or elite institutions. This absence of connections hampers efforts to promote criminology as a respected and lucrative career path within wealthier communities, which traditionally have a more significant influence in higher education circles. Without this advocacy, criminology remains distanced from the networks that shape academic funding priorities and determine the desirability of specific disciplines. Consequently, the field is often perceived as niche, addressing issues that do not directly resonate with the elite or affluent class, thus limiting the potential to expand its reach or attract diverse student demographics.

Additionally, the emphasis on social justice within criminology, though essential, is frequently at odds with the profit-driven goals of many universities and departments. In fields like criminology, where faculty members have often lived through the issues they research, there is a critical yet potentially alienating focus on rectifying systemic imbalances, rather than a primary focus on income generation or prestige-building, which are priorities in disciplines that have closer ties to affluent communities. For universities seeking to attract wealthy donors, criminology’s alignment with marginalized issues can appear less attractive, thus affecting funding and support. This systemic disconnect makes it challenging to elevate criminology within the academic hierarchy, affecting its resources, its ability to attract diverse student populations, and its overall marketability.

9. The Future of Criminology and Its Commitment to the Marginalized

As criminology continues to evolve, its commitment to the poor and marginalized is likely to remain a defining characteristic. The field is increasingly interdisciplinary, incorporating insights from sociology, psychology, and political science to better understand and address the root causes of crime. This holistic approach not only enriches criminological research but also strengthens its potential to drive meaningful social change. For marginalized students and scholars, this represents an opportunity to work within a discipline that is both intellectually rigorous and aligned with their personal values.

Criminology’s appeal among the poor and marginalized reflects its unique position within the social sciences. Unlike fields that prioritize profit or social prestige, criminology is driven by a commitment to justice, equity, and systemic reform. It attracts students and scholars from disadvantaged backgrounds who see in it a means to challenge the structures that perpetuate inequality and to advocate for those who have been left behind by society.

As long as criminology remains true to its mission of addressing social injustice, it will continue to be a discipline of the poor, for the poor, and by the poor.

Conclusion

The field of criminology stands as a testament to the power of education as a tool for social change. By attracting individuals from poor and marginalized backgrounds, it harnesses the insights and experiences of those intimately familiar with the challenges of economic hardship and social exclusion. For these students and scholars, criminology is not just an academic pursuit; it is a means of advocating for justice and a better future for their communities.

However, to further enhance the impact of criminology, it is essential for more affluent individuals to join the field. These individuals often possess significant social capital, which can be instrumental in marketing criminology and broadening its reach. By engaging affluent voices in criminological discourse, the discipline can benefit from diverse perspectives, resources, and networks that can amplify advocacy efforts and foster greater understanding of the complexities of crime and justice.

As criminology continues to grow and adapt, it will undoubtedly play an important role in shaping a more equitable and just society, driven by the voices of those who understand the true cost of inequality alongside the resources and influence of those who can help bring about meaningful change.