by JCSprenger

Created on: July 07, 2009   Last Updated: July 15, 2009

Low Intelligence and Crime

As teachers in low income areas, we have a tremendous responsibility. Many of our students come from poor families and there is some question regarding the relationship between a low IQ and a higher rate of crime on the one hand, and the relationship between poverty and delinquency on the other.

Are some teenagers more likely to commit crimes because of their low IQ and/or their low-income situation, or is the cause something different altogether? Some experts believe that schools may have a responsibility when they label low IQ students as such while still in elementary, thus fomenting resentment and low self-esteem. We know, however, without a doubt, that most students with limited intelligence know the difference between right and wrong; they cannot use the low IQ as an excuse for criminal behavior.

Are Broken Families Responsible?

If the families are unable or unwilling to foment the adequate socialization process in their children, it is the schools' responsibility to not only impart academic knowledge, but also to model the acceptable social behavior which eventually leads to success in adult life. Many unruly students struggle with a poorly developed social identity due to abuse and/or lack of proper opportunities. Despite valiant attempts by public schools' teachers to socially educate their students, the classroom instructor doesn't have the time or the tools to attend to all personal needs. A change of educational model is thus needed in which specialized personnel would analyze each case and supply the proper attention and help. The short-term cost would be high, but let's consider how much higher the cost is on a long-term basis; prison, crime, police, judges and lost lives are a price that we have to pay every day because a child did not receive proper attention when he or she could still be influenced positively.

So Many Questions and So Few Answers

The burning questions remain valid: Does low intelligence, when added to poverty, increase the probability that a child will eventually lead a criminal life? Or does the low level of intelligence make it more likely for the criminal to be caught? Do public schools contribute to the problem by attributing negative labels to children with a low IQ? Should the attention concentrate on working within the families when they are unable or unwilling to educate their children properly? Or should a global approach be attempted to make sure that low IQ children between the ages of

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