Not Working and Crime: Testing the Role of Theory-Based Distinctions of Non-Employment

• In Event: Recent Perspectives on Employment and Crime

Abstract

While a growing number of studies points out the moderating role of job quality and stability in the employment-crime relationship, hardly any studies differentiate between types of non-employment. This potentially led to confounded effects as arguably different kinds of non-employment (i.e., unemployment, not in labor force for legitimate reasons (e.g., studying), not in labor force for illegitimate reasons) were not treated as such. In grouping these types together (or failing to consider all types of non-employment), prior studies were unable to test the validity of competing theoretical explanations that imply criminogenic effects of certain kinds of non-employment but not others. Using yearly panel data on a large random sample of Finnish households, this study examines the between- and within-individual relationships between types of non-employment and criminal behavior. As such, this study shows not only which type of non-employment is closest related to criminal behavior among a general population sample, but also offers insight into the validity of competing theoretical explanations for criminal behavior.

Authors

• Anke Ramakers, Leiden University

• Mikko Aaltonen, University of Helsinki