Homicide in Sub-Saharan Africa. What is the Influence of Formal Social Control on the Homicide Prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa?

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

The formal social control system (i.e. police, courts and prisons) is an important part of society, preventing crime and violence. However, very little is known on the impact of the quality of the formal social control mechanisms in the Third World. The present study tests the role of formal social control (corruption, police and judicial system efficiency) and social disorganization (inequality, poverty, war, alcohol consumption) on the homicide prevalence in 32 Sub-Saharan African countries. We used data from such agencies as UNODC and WHO as well as new data from the World Homicide Survey (University of Montreal). Results show that only the Gini coefficient (income inequalities) and alcohol use are significant predictors of the homicide prevalence variation. Thus, formal social control, whether efficient or not, has no impact on homicide in Sub-Saharan Africa. A further discussion point highlights the importance of informal social control (the role of traditional justice, religion, and family) to understand the prevalence of homicide in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Author

• Claire Chabot, University of Montreal