Homicide Correlates from Micro to Meso-level Units of Analysis in Latin American Cities

• In Event: Place and Spatial Conditions: Advancing Existing Evidence and Measurement

Abstract

Aim
The present research aims to understand the dynamics surrounding the high homicide rates in Latin American cities from a multilevel, place-based perspective. As an overarching question, this research addresses the issue of the applicability of available explanations from the Global North cities to the problem in the Latin American context.
Methods
A comparative study of Medellin, Mexico City, and Chicago from 2019 to 2022 describes the distribution of homicides and its covariates using lag-x logistic regression models. The analysis is conducted for micro-level synthetic units of analysis -7ha hexagons- and meso-level units of analysis -Census tracts.
Results
Findings show differences in the explanations of homicides for micro-level units and meso-level units. Further comparison between the statistically significant independent variable set that explains homicide in each city indicates that homicide responds to different dynamics.
Future research from southern criminology should make an effort to build tailored models to explain homicide dynamics. In terms of methodology, data quality and availability, the role of city layouts, and other issues that require more comprehensive approaches.

Author

• Catalina Mellado, University College London