The slow realisation that there is vulnerability and exploitation in the street criminal economy continues.https://twitter.com/thetimes/status/935025399091908608 …
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Exactly the battle I had when trying to divert YP’s away from this lifestyle into a meaningful career Brian. I had success but was a challenge and not frequent.
40 hours at a check-out in Tesco or 4 hours selling drugs. Is that grooming or economics?
Factor in the risks and associated costs of the drugs economy, including violence, arrests, indebtedness, imprisonment, future prospects, and the wage premium may not look as attractive. >
If you haven't already, do read 'why do drug dealers live with their moms' in Freakonomics, for a fully costed assessment (from the US)
Key point: those dealing at street level accept the risks/costs and minimal wage premium in hope they may one day be further up the food chain - but v few make it.
I regularly break down the economics with young people but it relies on them having 1) self belief they deserve better 2) belief there are opportunities 3) belief that they can access those opportunities. Their lived experiences undermine all those things...
I'd add 4) there are v often visible signs of criminal economic success in their commuities, and also 5) the criminal economy has incredibly low barriers to entry & is cash based
Absolutely - if you have no sense of ‘future’ then why not take risks for a ‘good’ life now. Instant gratification is very seductive.
Back in the mists of time (2001!) I briefly worked for NACRO in S London where they had a vocational training centre for young offenders/at risk. For those doing carpentry, they cld get their City & Guilds and then go to work in construction for £300/wk. Doubt that's the case now
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