Arson, Sociology

Arson seems as though it is a major problem in the United States; however, this is not the case. Arson is defined as a person who intentionally burns almost any kind of structure or building. Even though arson is not a common crime, it has resulted in $585 million in property damage and the death of 200 civilians in 2010. Arson is committed for many reasons including insurance fraud and revenge. My theory is that the leading reason for arson is for people to gain money. The people affected by arson are the ones that lose their homes, jobs or even a family member or friend.
For starters, why would someone even want to burn property? Many people assume that the people that are setting these fires are always troubled teenagers acting in revenge, but in fact, revenge related fires involving teenagers is decreasing as a cause for arson. The more common reason for committing arson is so a person can lie to the insurance company and gain money. Sometimes business owners even hire professional arsonists to burn down their business without leaving a trace of arson. This reason is becoming more prevalent in society than troubled teenagers. Another, however least common, reason for a person to commit arson is because they enjoy watching the flames consume the building or other structure. In other words, that person would be a pyromaniac. People also intentionally set fires to cover up another crime such as murder.
To continue, what happens to the people that are affected by the arson? If the property that was damaged was a place of business, than the people that work there would be out of a job. If there is a fire than people in the surrounding area would lose tax dollars. Without the tax dollars, people would lose out on various public services. If a house is burned down, then the family would be without a home, their belongings, and their memories that were in the house. The family would have to struggle to get back on their feet and will have to start out new. The worst