I believe socioeconomic factors are at work. But it needs to be pointed out social and economic factors don't necessarily go hand in hand. For instance, being

I believe socioeconomic factors are at work. But it needs to be pointed out social and economic factors don't necessarily go hand in hand. For instance, being a Chinese, I can tell you that no matter how poor a family is, education is looked upon as a way out. This might be in part due to the long standing importance of the Imperial Examinations as a way of securing a government position. I'd say poverty is a problem, but it is a poverty of imagination. Gangsta Rap doesn't help, because it perpetuates the illusion that criminal activities are the only valid choice.