A Multilevel Analysis of Unemployment and Crime

• In Event: Criminology of Place

Abstract

The complex relationship between crime and economic change has had a long pedigree in criminological research. This paper considers the Cantor and Land (1985) model of unemployment and crime using a multilevel methodological approach and the Canadian provinces, 1981-2013. It includes multiple economic measures for a more comprehensive representation of economic performance. Employing a multilevel technique enables greater precision in the estimates to accurately analyze hierarchical data at two distinct levels. We examine the effects of multiple economic measures on eight separate crime types, and find strong support for the Cantor and Land (1985) model in both property and violent crimes. The results are robust to the inclusion of time as a random effect, controls for simultaneity using contextual factors, deterrence effects, and variables controlling for inequality and demographics along with multiple measures of the economy.

Authors

• Olivia Katherine Ha, Simon Fraser University

• Martin Andresen, Simon Fraser University

• Garth Davies, Simon Fraser University