Diffuse Economic Anxieties, Social Threat, and Punitiveness: An Analysis of Latin American Countries

• In Event: Public Opinion, Democracy, and Crime in the Americas. Analyzing the Causes and Consequences of Crime and Crime Control Policies.

Abstract

An extensive body of research has explored the individual- and social-level sources of punitive sentiments among members of the public. Within this body of work, several studies have found that anxieties related to an individual’s perceived personal or national economic condition can have consequences for their attitudes regarding criminal justice policy. One theoretical mechanism by which economic insecurities may increase punitiveness is social threat, and this perspective expects that individuals can associate members of social out-groups with both deteriorating economic conditions as well as presumed or expected increases in crime. To date, however, little research has examined the linkages among economic anxieties, out-group animus, and punitiveness, and no prior study has examined these interrelationships in the context of Central and South America. Analyses of data from the AmericasBarometer survey reveal that economic anxieties increase animus toward certain social groups as well as support for punitive forms of crime control, and out-group animus is likewise positively associated with punitive attitudes. However, social threat does not mediate the effects of economic anxieties. These findings suggest that, while racial and ethnic threat are salient predictors of punitive attitudes, mechanisms other than out-group blame are responsible for connecting diffuse economic anxieties and punitiveness.

Authors

• Marc Gertz, Florida State University

• Peter S. Lehmann, Florida State University

• Cecilia Chouhy, Florida State University

• Alexa Singer, Florida State University

• Jessica N. Walzak, Florida State University