1. Moral Outlook: Victorian society was highly influenced by religious beliefs and moral codes, which shaped their views on crime. Many people believed that crimes were a consequence of moral depravity and individual choices. They saw criminals as morally deficient individuals who needed to be punished to uphold social order.
2. Class Divisions: Victorian society was deeply divided along class lines, with the upper and middle classes holding significantly different attitudes towards crime compared to the working class. The upper classes often viewed crimes committed by the lower classes with contempt and moral disdain, while the working class faced harsher punishments for the same offenses.
3. Social Reform Movements: The Victorian era saw the rise of various social reform movements that aimed to address societal issues, including crime. These movements, such as the temperance movement and the ragged school movement, sought to improve the living conditions of the poor and reduce crime by addressing underlying social causes.
4. Industrialization: The rapid industrialization and urbanization during the Victorian era brought about significant economic and social changes. Overcrowded cities, unemployment, and poverty contributed to an increase in crime rates. This led to harsher punishments and a greater emphasis on the deterrence of crime.
5. Sensationalism in Media: The Victorian era witnessed a surge in sensationalist journalism and literature, which often focused on crime, murder, and other shocking stories. This media coverage sensationalized crime and fueled public fears and anxieties, influencing public perception.
6. Changing Penal System: The Victorian era saw a shift in the penal system, with a move away from public executions and towards more humane forms of punishment such as imprisonment. This reflected a gradual change in attitudes toward the treatment of criminals as individuals in need of rehabilitation rather than mere objects of punishment.
7. Legal Reforms: The Victorian era also witnessed significant legal reforms, such as the introduction of the Police Metropolitan force and the establishment of juvenile courts. These reforms aimed to improve law enforcement and the administration of justice, contributing to a more structured and effective criminal justice system.
Overall, while some aspects of Victorian society held a harsh and moralistic view of crime, there was also a growing recognition of the need for social reforms to address the underlying causes of crime and improve the societal conditions that contributed to criminal behavior.