Shahrzadnews – Two leading Iranian sociologists have warned that the incidence of violent and domestic crime has reached an explosive level, mostly a consequence of economic hardship. 

Senior sociology lecturer Amanulah Gharayi Moghadam told the Ghanoon website: “The economy has more effect on social interaction than anything else. Economic hardship is turning people into criminals. 

“In the face of spiralling inflation, with the price of basic commodities continually increasing, respect for moral values has declined, leading to family breakdown, divorce, murder, rape and robbery. If we do not tackle these issues urgently crime will soon reach an explosive level beyond anyone’s control.” 

Meanwhile an article on the same issue was posted on the Khabar online news website. In it the head of Iran’s Social Care Association Mustafa Eghlima said unemployment in Iran lay at the root of much of the nation’s crime. He said that although almost five million Iranians graduate from universities every year, only three to four hundred thousand find a job. 

“Family income cannot cope with the ever-increasing cost of living. Purchasing power has fallen almost to zero, leading to a massive increase in domestic violence and intolerance.”