Crime is prevalent in the United States. Many citizens hold the notion that America is a violent country due to the large amount of people incarcerated. However, that is not necessarily the case. Over the last two decades, crime rates have significantly decreased at a steady pace. The UCR and the NCVS both have reported fewer crimes. In spite of this, the incarceration rate has considerably increased within the United States between the 1990’s and today, according to the text and Rosenfeld. Rosenfeld contributes employment to the amount of crime. The relationship between the two is not simple, but it is evident. Crime rates are lower when the economy is doing well. This could be due to the fact that there is more people busy working, or working people have more money. Either way, the incentive to commit a crime is taken away and decreases the rate. Firearms are also a major contributor to crime, as said by Rosen. Some people believe that if firearms are more readily available, then it is easier for citizens to defend themselves. Others have confidence in the idea that stricter regulations on guns will lead to a safer environment. The fewer guns that are in the wrong hands the better. The book contributes crime to an individual’s age and gender. Teenagers and young adults are the age group with the highest criminal activity. They are the least likely to be able to solely, financially support themselves, which could explain the incentive to commit the criminal activity. It is found that males are much more likely to commit a crime than females. Females are expected to have a strong tie with a child, thus preventing them from participating in deviate activities. It is not possible to simply pinpoint the reason to the decrease in crime. Each crime is complex with many contributing factors that do not necessarily coincide with the reasons behind other crimes. Criminal activity is very diverse and complicated, and both sources suppo