- Weak law enforcement:
During the Middle Ages, central governments were weak and often did not have the resources to effectively enforce the law. Local law enforcement was often in the hands of feudal lords, who were more concerned with protecting their own interests than in maintaining public order.
- Poverty:
Many people in the Middle Ages lived in extreme poverty. This poverty led to desperation, which in turn led to increased crime rates.
- Lack of education:
The vast majority of people in the Middle Ages were illiterate and uneducated. This lack of education made it difficult for people to understand the law and to make informed decisions about their behavior.
- Violence as a way of life:
Violence was a common part of life in the Middle Ages. People were constantly feuding with each other, and violence was often used as a means of settling disputes.
- High levels of inequality:
Feudal societies were highly unequal, with a small number of wealthy landowners controlling most of the wealth and power. This inequality led to resentment and unrest among the lower classes, which in turn contributed to higher levels of crime.
- Religious intolerance:
Different religious groups often held deep-seated prejudices and hostilities against each other, leading to acts of violence and persecution.
- Economic instability:
The Middle Ages were marked by periods of economic boom and bust, with frequent famines, plagues, and wars disrupting trade and commerce. These conditions created social and economic hardships, making people more vulnerable to criminal activities.
- Lack of social welfare:
There were few social support systems in place during the Middle Ages to help individuals in need. This meant that people who were struggling financially or socially often turned to crime as a means of survival.
- Harsh legal codes:
The laws during this time were often strict and severely punished even minor offenses, leading to overcrowding in prisons and a lack of resources for rehabilitation, exacerbating the crime problem.