Coercion, Social Support, and Crime: Evaluation of Unexplored Links and Processes Using the Data from Bangladesh and Ukraine

• In Event: Testing Theories of Crime in Cross-National Contexts

Abstract

Differential Coercion/Social Support Theory is a complex integrated theory of crime and, so far, its propositions have been tested in a few studies. Using random sample household survey data from 1,000 respondents in two major cities, Dhaka, Bangladesh and Lviv, Ukraine, this study examines some previously unexplored mechanisms linking the concepts from the theory. In particular, it evaluates the theorized mediating processes involving coercion, social support, criminal behavior, and the intervening variables of moral social bonds, depression, perceived predictability of response from others, and trust. The results provide mixed support for the theoretical propositions drawn from Differential Coercion/ Social Support Theory. They also suggest the need for specifying more culturally-specific contingencies that influence relationships between coercion, social support, various intervening variables, and criminal behavior.

Authors

• Olena Antonaccio, University of Miami

• Charles Tittle, North Carolina State University

• Jonathan Brauer, University of Nebraska at Omaha