Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
individual
Authors' Class Standing
Brandon Wilson, Junior
Lead Presenter's Name
Brandon Wilson
Faculty Mentor Name
Wes Lewis & Dr. Kelly George
Abstract
Despite a recent murder of a 20-year-old girl, an event that was an intense shock to the entire nation, Iceland is thought of as one of the safest countries on the planet due to a combination of worldwide reporting on the infrequency of violence in the peaceful country as well as a certain air about Iceland making it seem just as safe as it is said to be. This project explores the reasons behind an extremely low violent crime rate in Iceland and evaluates the effects that tourism and immigration are having on the crime rates. There has been very little research on the subject of crime in Iceland. The reasons for a low crime rate and effects of tourism and immigration were researched in Iceland through interviews, media publications, observation and even a few museum placards. It was found that the low crime rate in Iceland is largely due to a culture of nonviolence in Iceland itself as well as a nearly homogeneous population and other unique factors. This research could be further developed to further understand the scope of factors that contribute to violent crimes as well as factors that reduce the chances of violent crime.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
Yes, Spark Grant
There's Something About Iceland
Despite a recent murder of a 20-year-old girl, an event that was an intense shock to the entire nation, Iceland is thought of as one of the safest countries on the planet due to a combination of worldwide reporting on the infrequency of violence in the peaceful country as well as a certain air about Iceland making it seem just as safe as it is said to be. This project explores the reasons behind an extremely low violent crime rate in Iceland and evaluates the effects that tourism and immigration are having on the crime rates. There has been very little research on the subject of crime in Iceland. The reasons for a low crime rate and effects of tourism and immigration were researched in Iceland through interviews, media publications, observation and even a few museum placards. It was found that the low crime rate in Iceland is largely due to a culture of nonviolence in Iceland itself as well as a nearly homogeneous population and other unique factors. This research could be further developed to further understand the scope of factors that contribute to violent crimes as well as factors that reduce the chances of violent crime.