Crime is increasing worldwide. There is every reason to believe the trend will continue through the next few decades. Crime rates have always been high in multicultural industrialized societies such as the United States. But a new phenomenon has appeared on the world scene, rapidly rising crime rates in nations that previously reported few offenses. Street crimes such as robbery, rape, murder and auto theft are clearly rising, particularly in eastern European countries such as Hungary and in western European nations such as the United Kingdom. What is driving this crime explosion? There are no simple answers. Still, there’re certain conditions associated with rising crime. Increasing heterogeneity of populations, greater cultural pluralism, higher immigration, democratization of governments, changing national borders, greater economic growth, and the lack of accepted social ideas of right and wrong. These conditions are increasing observable around the world. For instance, cultures that were previously isolated and homogeneous such as Japan, Denmark, and Greece are now facing the sort of cultural variety that has been common in America for most of its history. Multiculturalism can be a rewarding, enriching experience, but it can also lead to a clash of values. Heterogeneity in societies will be the rule in the 21st century, and failure to recognize and plan for such diversity can lead to serious crime problems.
