Begging can be passive or aggressive and occurs when someone solicits money or valuables from strangers. Beggars are often male, unemployed, and may suffer from drug or alcohol abuse. Attitudes towards begging vary, with some seeing it as necessary for survival while others view it as disturbing and contributing to crime. Laws regulating begging vary by region, with some limiting the hours or locations where begging is allowed. Passive begging includes holding a sign or performing for donations, while aggressive begging involves blocking passage or using threatening behavior. Young people are more likely to give money to beggars than older citizens.
Begging occurs when a person solicits money, food, or other valuables from a stranger on public or private property. It could constitute passive or aggressive begging, ranging from simply extending a cup for loose change to using pressure to get someone to give money. Beggars, also called panhandlers, vagrants, or cadgers, appear internationally, and tolerance levels for the activity vary. Some regions enact laws to control begging while other countries do not impose any legislation against begging.
Beggars are typically male, single and unemployed. Studies of begging show that some people who ask for money in public suffer from drug or alcohol abuse. They are more prevalent in cities with heavy pedestrian or vehicular traffic, especially near train and bus stations, the subway, and university campuses. Some panhandlers find lucrative opportunities outside of restaurants and grocery stores because people may be more willing to give after eating or buying food.
There are two basic attitudes towards public solicitation: sympathetic and unsympathetic. People who sympathize with beggars may believe that begging is necessary for the survival of homeless people and that begging needs no regulation. They can feel the social responsibility of helping the less fortunate. People with an unsympathetic view might see begging as scary, disturbing the peace, and contributing to other crimes. They generally favor laws that punish beggars and regulate their behavior.
Some regions try to deal with vagrants by limiting the hours of the day when begging is allowed, for example by banning nocturnal grooming. Other laws prohibit begging in some areas where pedestrian or automobile traffic might be impeded. In some cities, beggars are not allowed near public transportation, ATMs, restaurants, and other designated places. Some regions impose registration and licensing requirements before anyone can ask for money.
Passive begging might include someone standing outside a business with their hand outstretched while holding a sign asking for money. Street performers who perform in public with a container nearby to accept donations fall into the category of passive begging, along with people who wash car windows at traffic lights hoping to receive a donation. Even if a beggar does not verbally ask for money, it could be considered a solicitation. Laws against passive begging could end up in court, where they are challenged under the right to free speech.
Aggressive begging is generally considered more serious and the focus of legislation. If a vagrant blocks the passage or continues to ask for money after being refused, it constitutes aggressive behavior in some areas. Acting in a threatening manner that scares a person can also fall under the definition. Touching someone while begging or using vulgar or obscene language can be considered aggressive in some jurisdictions.
Beggars can claim a certain corner or location that they find profitable. Research shows that young people are more likely to give money to beggars than older citizens. Old people are usually more afraid of vagrants because they question their ability to protect themselves. Women, minorities, college students, and tourists can be good sources of income for the hobo because they tend to give more freely.
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