Nobody wants to be personally robbed. However, petty theft is a widespread crime. It includes shoplifting, pickpocketing, and similar offenses. Rates vary greatly between regions. In 2016, the global average was 783 incidents per 100,000 people. Senegal reported only 1 per 100,000. Denmark reported 3,949 per 100,000. It sounds huge, so is a mere criminal less dangerous than the super-rich?
The financial impact is enormous. Global retail losses from shoplifting reached $34 billion in 2017. Retail shrinkage costs businesses 1-2% of revenue. In the U.S., this amounts to about $50 billion annually. Larceny-theft in the U.S. alone caused over $5 billion in losses in 2020.
Theft rates depend on enforcement and cultural factors. Japan reported fewer than 300 thefts per 100,000 people in 2020. The UK had 2,694.9 per 100,000 in 2018. Developing nations often underreport due to weaker systems.
Definitions of petty theft differ by country. Reporting rates depend on trust in authorities. Global comparisons remain difficult. The monetary losses show the significant cost of petty theft worldwide.
The world’s GDP and the super-rich
As of 2024, the global economy’s nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to be approximately $110.06 trillion. This represents a growth rate of 3.23% compared to the previous year. The United States leads with an estimated GDP of $29.17 trillion, followed by China at $18.27 trillion. These two economies together account for a significant portion of the world’s economic output. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts global growth rates of 3.1% in 2024 and 3.2% in 2025, indicating a steady expansion of the world economy.
If one of the world’s richest families has tens of trillions of dollars, like $20 trillion, and we multiply it by 10 (around the number of the top richest super-rich families), the result is $200 trillion. This amount is almost twice the world’s GDP, which is around $110 trillion as of 2024. Even at the lower end, such as $10 trillion multiplied by 10, the result is $100 trillion, which is nearly equal to the total global economic output. This highlights how extraordinary such wealth concentration would be.
Socioeconomic pathogenes of petty crime
Petty crime arises from complex socioeconomic factors that create environments conducive to offenses like theft and shoplifting. Firstly, poverty is a significant driver. Approximately 648 million people worldwide live on less than $2.15 a day, classified as extreme poverty. As a result, economic hardship often leads individuals to engage in petty theft to meet basic needs.
Furthermore, income inequality exacerbates the issue. Regions with pronounced income disparities experience higher rates of petty crime. For example, Latin America, known for significant income inequality, reports elevated theft rates. In Brazil, the poverty headcount ratio at $2.15 a day was 1.9% in 2020.
In addition, unemployment contributes further. Joblessness reduces income and increases idle time, potentially leading to criminal behavior. According to data, in 2022, the global unemployment rate was 5.8%, with youth unemployment notably higher at 13%. The lack of employment opportunities, especially among youth, correlates with increased involvement in petty crime.
Urbanization and social disorganization
Moreover, urbanization plays a role. Rapid urban growth often outpaces infrastructure development, leading to overcrowded areas with inadequate services. As of 2022, over 55% of the global population resided in urban areas. Many cities in developing countries report high petty crime rates in densely populated neighborhoods.
Similarly, consumer culture influences petty crime. Constant exposure to unaffordable goods through advertising can lead to frustration among economically disadvantaged groups. Consequently, retail theft accounts for significant losses. In 2021, global retail shrinkage cost businesses $100 billion, with shoplifting comprising a substantial portion of this loss.
Additionally, social disorganization contributes to the prevalence of petty crime. Weak community ties, inadequate education systems, and lack of social capital create environments where crime can flourish. Schools in low-income areas often lack resources, leading to higher dropout rates and limited opportunities, which can push individuals toward petty crime.
Finally, substance abuse is another factor. Addiction can drive individuals to commit theft to support their habits. For instance, in 2022, there were 275 million drug users worldwide, with a significant proportion of petty theft arrests involving individuals with substance abuse issues.
In conclusion, addressing petty crime requires a multifaceted approach that tackles these underlying socioeconomic factors. By reducing poverty, improving income equality, creating employment opportunities, enhancing education systems, strengthening community ties, and providing support for substance abuse, societies can collectively mitigate petty crime and its impact.
Petty criminal less dangerous than the super-rich? Let’s dive into psychology
The psychopathology of petty crime involves understanding the psychological and behavioral factors that contribute to minor criminal acts like theft, shoplifting, and pickpocketing. These behaviors often arise from a complex interplay of individual traits, environmental influences, and social dynamics.
Impulsivity is a common factor. Many petty crimes are not premeditated but occur on impulse. People with high impulsivity, often linked to neurological differences, struggle with delayed gratification. For example, shoplifters frequently act without planning, driven by immediate desires or stress relief.
Personality disorders can also play a role. Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is particularly associated with criminal behavior, including petty crime. People with ASPD display disregard for social norms and the rights of others. They may commit theft without remorse or consideration of consequences. Narcissistic traits, like entitlement and lack of empathy, can also contribute to petty crimes, especially in affluent societies.
Early childhood experiences and addiction
Early childhood experiences shape the risk of engaging in petty crime. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as neglect or abuse, disrupt normal emotional and cognitive development. Research shows that individuals with higher ACE scores are more likely to exhibit delinquent behavior. For instance, a lack of parental supervision often correlates with juvenile theft and shoplifting.
Addiction and substance abuse often underlie petty crime. Many individuals steal to fund drug or alcohol dependencies. In 2022, approximately 275 million people worldwide used drugs. A significant portion of petty theft arrests involves individuals with substance use disorders, highlighting the role of addiction in these offenses.
Cognitive distortions play a crucial role in rationalizing petty crime. Offenders often justify their actions through flawed reasoning. Examples include minimizing harm (“The store won’t miss one item”) or blaming external circumstances (“I had no choice”). These thought patterns reduce feelings of guilt and enable repeated behavior.
Socioeconomic stress and psychology
Socioeconomic stress exacerbates psychological vulnerabilities. Chronic stress from poverty, unemployment, or inequality can lead to emotional dysregulation. Emotional strain makes individuals more likely to commit petty crimes as coping mechanisms. For instance, people experiencing financial hardship may rationalize stealing essentials as a necessity.
Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are also linked to petty crime. Individuals with untreated mental health issues may turn to theft as a way of coping with their emotional struggles. Depressive episodes, in particular, can lead to risk-taking behavior and impulsive acts.
Peer influence is another factor. Group dynamics can encourage petty crime, especially among adolescents. Studies show that teens are more likely to engage in theft when influenced by peers. Social learning theory suggests that observing and imitating others’ behavior reinforces criminal actions.
In conclusion, the psychopathology of petty crime is multi-faceted, involving psychological traits, environmental stressors, and social dynamics. Addressing these issues requires an integrated approach that combines mental health support, early intervention, and societal reforms. By tackling the underlying psychological and environmental drivers, the prevalence of petty crime can be significantly reduced.
The psychology of the super-rich
While the abovementioned psychopathology is horrific, the greedy and power-obsessed super-rich don’t improve the score. So there is another argument that a mere criminal is less dangerous than the super-rich.
The psychopathology of the super-rich revolves around behaviors and psychological traits that often accompany extreme wealth and power. Greed and material obsession are common. This greed stems from an insatiable desire to accumulate more wealth, often fueled by hedonic adaptation. People quickly adjust to new levels of wealth, and satisfaction becomes tied to acquiring more. Psychologically, greed may arise from insecurity or a deep-seated fear of losing what they have. Neuroscience shows that gaining wealth activates the brain’s reward centers, reinforcing the cycle of accumulation.
Power obsession and narcissistic traits
Power obsession frequently develops alongside wealth. It can be both a motivator and a corrupting force. People with immense power often strive to maintain or expand it. The power paradox suggests that as individuals gain power, they become less empathetic and more self-centered. This detachment can lead to manipulative or authoritarian behaviors. Studies have shown that powerful individuals often overestimate their abilities while dismissing others’ contributions, creating a cycle of dominance.
Narcissistic traits are often amplified in the super-rich. Many exhibit entitlement, grandiosity, and a lack of empathy. These traits can drive the ambition needed to achieve extreme success but often lead to an obsession with status and constant validation. Wealth amplifies narcissistic tendencies, making it easier to justify unethical actions or ignore the broader societal impact of their decisions.
Emotional isolation and immorality
Emotional isolation is a frequent consequence of extreme wealth. The super-rich often struggle to form genuine relationships, fearing exploitation or insincerity. This isolation can create feelings of emptiness, which some attempt to fill through material consumption or asserting dominance over others. Psychological studies indicate that many wealthy individuals experience profound loneliness and difficulty trusting others, exacerbating their detachment from society.
Moral disengagement is another key element. The super-rich often rationalize unethical behavior, such as tax evasion or exploitation, by focusing on their contributions to the economy or their philanthropy. This allows them to maintain a positive self-image while continuing harmful practices. Cognitive dissonance between their actions and their values fuels this rationalization.
Fear of loss is pervasive among the wealthy. The prospect of losing their status or assets often leads to paranoia. This fear drives obsessive control over finances, risk aversion, or aggressive strategies to preserve wealth. Status anxiety is also common, as the super-rich compare themselves to their peers to ensure they remain at the top. This creates a constant cycle of competition and stress.
Homo sapiens and endless competition
The drive for success and competition resembles addiction. Success provides dopamine hits, creating a feedback loop where wealth and power become the sole focus. For many, this obsession overshadows other aspects of life, such as relationships or personal fulfillment. The disconnect from everyday reality is another consequence. Wealth creates a psychological bubble that makes it difficult to empathize with or understand the struggles of others. Studies show that wealthier individuals are less likely to recognize emotions in others or engage in prosocial behavior unless it benefits them directly.
Philanthropy often serves psychological purposes for the super-rich. Some use it as a way to redeem themselves, aligning their immense wealth with a sense of moral obligation. Others use philanthropy as a means of control, influencing societal norms, policies, or public perception in ways that align with their preferences. While philanthropy can have positive impacts, it often reflects underlying psychological needs.
Capitalism in its modern form is criminal itself, then we have the super-rich
Unregulated capitalism fosters an environment where profit maximization takes precedence over ethical considerations, social welfare, and environmental sustainability. It allows corporations and individuals to operate with minimal oversight, leading to unchecked exploitation of resources, labor, and markets. The concentration of wealth in the hands of a few creates staggering economic inequality, with billionaires amassing fortunes while millions struggle to meet basic needs. This disparity undermines social cohesion, fuels resentment, and perpetuates cycles of poverty.
Unregulated markets encourage short-term thinking, prioritizing quarterly profits over long-term stability, innovation, or ecological preservation. Environmental degradation becomes an inevitable consequence, as industries exploit natural resources without accountability, accelerating climate change and biodiversity loss. Workers, especially in low-income countries, bear the brunt of this system, facing poor wages, unsafe conditions, and job insecurity. The lack of regulation also leads to financial speculation and systemic risks, as seen in repeated economic crises that disproportionately impact the most vulnerable.
Crony capitalism
Without safeguards, monopolies and oligopolies emerge, stifling competition, innovation, and consumer choice. Unregulated capitalism also exerts a corrosive influence on politics, with the United States serving as a clear example. Wealthy individuals and corporations use their vast resources to shape policies, fund political campaigns, and lobby for deregulation, ensuring that the system remains tilted in their favor.
This undermines democratic processes, as public policy often reflects the interests of the wealthy elite rather than the broader population. Landmark cases like Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission have amplified this problem, allowing unlimited corporate spending in elections under the guise of free speech. This unchecked influence erodes trust in governance and perpetuates a cycle where economic and political power become increasingly intertwined. While capitalism has driven remarkable progress, its unregulated form reveals its darker side, where unbridled pursuit of profit undermines the common good, destabilizes democratic institutions, and accelerates environmental collapse. Addressing these issues requires rethinking the balance between market freedom and regulatory frameworks to ensure that economic systems serve humanity and the planet, rather than exploiting them.
Tons of other forms of capitalism
With capitalism’s emergence, all of the critics appeared, and in the vast majority of cases – rightfully so.
But its replacement proved to be horribly wrong, either socialism or communism or a kinds of mixed economy.
Needless to say, capitalism is something extremely complex. But what they want is to leave it intact, a savage-like system with zero regulations. And even if some redistribution takes place, its allocations are bad or are just low.
We can have science-oriented capitalism, pro-natality capitalism, sustainable capitalism, or capitalism with Universal Basic Income.
The smartest minds create such complex and elaborate theories that even the highly intellectually gifted (IQ 145+) are clueless. For example, the Theory of consumption, Game theory, Efficiency wage theory, Behavioral economics, Contract theory, Mechanism design theory, and New growth theory. Why not invent new forms of capitalism?
If you are among the top talented, do such studies, not only it not resonate in the heavily politicized (and, of course, academia is equal to politics) universities, but you will be expelled, your research will be marginalized, you will be silenced by media and maybe run by a car.
Crime: The super-rich top it all off
These are my final arguments proving that a mere criminal is less dangerous than the super-rich. Not only the whole countries could be built, people wouldn’t die of diseases, new scientific age could be started, a few wars would be led, but our political process wouldn’t be so clogged.
A small group of influential institutions and corporations plays a significant role in shaping the global economy. Major banks and multinational corporations operate across borders, driving innovation, trade, and economic growth. The dominance of the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency reflects historical and economic factors, such as the strength of the U.S. economy, global trust in its stability, and the dollar’s use in international trade and finance. This reliance on the dollar enables streamlined global transactions and provides a common standard, though it can also create dependencies and challenges for countries with weaker currencies. These institutions and corporations often influence markets, monetary policies, and resource allocation on a global scale. Their interconnectedness with governments and international organizations highlights the complexity of modern global economics, where the pursuit of growth and stability often overlaps with debates about equity, sovereignty, and sustainability.
Not only could entire countries be built from the resources at hand, but millions of lives could be saved from preventable diseases that continue to plague the world’s poorest regions. Access to clean water, basic healthcare, and vaccinations could become universal, eradicating illnesses that no longer pose threats in wealthier nations. Education systems could be revolutionized, granting children in underprivileged areas the tools to thrive and contribute to a global knowledge economy. Infrastructure projects could transform barren landscapes into thriving cities, creating jobs and reducing economic disparity.
A new scientific age
A new scientific age could be sparked, accelerating advancements in renewable energy, space exploration, and medical breakthroughs. With proper funding, diseases like cancer, malaria, and HIV could see significant reductions, or even elimination. Fusion energy, a dream of sustainable power, could finally be realized, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change. Research into artificial intelligence and biotechnology could progress with unprecedented speed, solving global challenges and improving quality of life for generations.
They wage wars, competing for world domination, and they want to own entire economies, thereby controlling politicians from behind.
All the super-rich are connected to the media, lobbyists, crooks, and movers-and-shakers, which endlessly clogs the political process. Without clientelism and Big Business, which truly influence politics, politicians would have free hands and could do something to improve people’s lives.
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