Social Roots of Recidivism: Wartime Ties Among Former Combatants in Colombia

• In Event: Causes and Consequences of Conflict: Evidence from Colombia

Abstract

The most prevalent explanation of criminal behavior tends to center on the role of economic opportunity cost. An important alternative explanation exists, however, and it roots the decision to engage in crime in social, rather than economic factors. Following this argument, recent studies about the reintegration of former combatants have shown the relevance of this social logic. The force of this argument stems from the key role that wartime ties play in the decisions to engage in crime after demobilization. I explore the mechanisms behind this social logic of crime using original administrative and survey data collected in Colombia. I explore the mechanisms by which wartime ties and social connections operate to affect delinquency among former combatants.
I study three ways in which social networks may affect participation in crime. First, social networks could serve as resources, providing an ex-combatant with access to criminal knowledge, skills, and technology. Second, social ties may affect norms. For example, ex-combatants may share social norms that facilitate the diffusion of responsibility for blame-worthy acts. In this framework, factors like loyalty imparts legitimacy to otherwise illegitimate acts. Finally, groups are apt to accentuate respect and protection, key elements in participation in violence. The practice of mutual defense calls upon aspects of interpersonal relations that are likely to facilitate criminality.
To understand the influence of these possible mechanisms I manipulate the relevance of social networks in the survey, and combine the answers with administrative data from the police about arrest and participation in criminal activities.

Author

• Mateo Vasquez Cortes, New York University