CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS OF POVERTY TO CRIMINALITY AT BARANGAY BAGONG SILANGAN QUEZON CITY

Abstract

Crime is a complex social issue influenced by multiple factors, with poverty often identified as a significant contributor. In communities where economic hardship is prevalent, lack of basic resources, limited access to education, and scarce employment opportunities can drive individuals to engage in criminal behavior as a means of survival. Poverty refers to the absence of essential needs such as food, shelter, clean water, healthcare, and education. This study examines how poverty contributes to criminality in Barangay Bagong Silangan, Quezon City, by identifying key poverty‑related factors and assessing their impact on community crime rates. This study uses a descriptive quantitative design. Fifty residents of Barangay Bagong Silangan were selected through purposive sampling to ensure representation across age groups. A structured questionnaire was developed based on existing literature, validated by subject‑matter experts, and pilot‑tested. Data were collected via face‑to‑face administration and analyzed using frequency and percentage distributions for demographic profiling, as well as weighted mean analysis to rank poverty‑related contributory factors. The largest age cohort was respondents aged 42 to 50 years at 26 percent, followed by those aged 51 years and above at 22 percent. Respondents aged 18 to 25 years comprised 20 percent, those aged 34 to 41 years comprised 18 percent, and those aged 26 to 33 years comprised 14 percent. Analysis of poverty‑related factors revealed that unemployment was rated as the most significant contributor to criminality. Limited educational attainment and adverse environmental conditions were the next highest‑ranked factors. Findings highlighted that unemployment was the primary poverty‑related factor driving criminal behavior in Barangay Bagong Silangan. Limited access to education and poor environmental conditions were also found to significantly influence criminality. As a result, the study recommended implementing livelihood programs to reduce unemployment, expanding educational support initiatives, and improving environmental conditions through community projects. Collaboration among barangay officials, social welfare agencies, and local stakeholders was advised to sustain these interventions and enhance community safety.