Explaining the Link Between Income Inequality and Homicide Rates - A Cross-National Study

• NCJ Number: 106855
• Author(s): H Krahn; T F Hartnagel; J W Gartrell
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 35 pages
• Corporate Author: University of Alberta
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Survey (Cross-Cultural)
• Language: English
• Country: Canada
• Note: Discussion Paper 4

Annotation

Previous studies have identified but failed to satisfactorily explain the positive relationship between income inequality and homicide rates. The criminological literature linking social inequality and crime is reviewed and four competing explanations are outlined, along with four alternative hypotheses which suggest that the relationship is spurious.

Abstract

Regression analyses demonstrate that, along with the positive effect of income inequality, population growth has a net positive effect which probably reflects a high proportion of young people in the population. Further analyses show that effects of inequality on homicide are more pronounced in more densely populated countries, in more democratic nations and wealthier nations, and in countries with a larger internal security force. Also discussed are the theoretical implications of these findings and suggestions for future research. 59 references. (Author abstract modified)