Structural injustice and economic disparities as precursors for violent crime in Ghana

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of structural injustice and economic disparities on violent crime in Ghana. The population for this study comprised all inmates in Ghana prisons who committed violent crimes in the Greater Accra Region. Per the heinous nature of the crimes, almost all these convicts are incarcerated at either a maximun or medium prison facility, hence the study’s focus on inmates at Nsawam Medium Security Prison and Ankaful Maximum Security Prison. Employing a mixed-method explanatory design, the research integrates quantitative regression analysis with qualitative thematic analysis to explore systemic drivers of violent behavior. Drawing on Social disorganization theory, Frustration-aggression hypothesis, and Structural violence theory, the study examines structural and economic factors, including income inequality, systemic or structural exclusion, and socio-political marginalization, as predictors of violent crime. The study used a sample size of 400 respondents, selected through multi-stage sampling techniques from a target population of 4,050 convicted violent offenders; and 80 significant individuals (parents/guadians, well wishers, and prison officers). The findings reveal that structural injustice (β = 0.404, p = 0.016) and economic disparities (β = 0.509, p = 0.001) significantly predict violent
crime. The qualitative analysis corroborates these results, highlighting narratives of systemic neglect, relative deprivation, and socio-economic hardship. The study underscores the importance of addressing structural and economic inequalities through policy reforms, rehabilitative interventions, and community-based support systems to mitigate violent crime and promote social equity. These findings contribute to criminological discourse by providing evidence-based strategies for reducing systemic disparities and fostering safer societies.