Social Capital, Economic Development, and Homicide: A Cross-National Investigation

Social Indicators Research 105: 519-540, 2011

22 Pages Posted: 22 Oct 2014

See all articles by Blaine Robbins

Blaine Robbins

New York University Abu Dhabi

David Pettinicchio

University of Toronto

Date Written: 2011

Abstract

This article draws from an ongoing debate over explanations of homicide. Within this debate, we investigate the pro-social effects of civil society and social capital. Few cross-national studies explore whether elements of social capital either increase or decrease homicide. The cross-national work that does is often characterized by small, homogeneous samples and the use of inappropriate statistical techniques. Replicating elements of Lederman et al.’s (Econ Dev Cult Change 50:509 539, 2002) original study but with wave IV World Values Survey data and negative binomial regression, we find weak support for the beneficial consequences of social capital on homicide. One dimension of social capital, however, does exhibit a significant negative association with homicide rates, net of other influences: social activism. We also fail to support the Durkheimian hypothesis that the negative effect of social capital on homicide is conditional on modernization. We explore the implications of the findings along with avenues for future research.

Keywords: Social capital, crime, homicide, trust, Durkheim, activism, prosocial, cross-national, civil society, economic development

Suggested Citation

Robbins, Blaine and Pettinicchio, David, Social Capital, Economic Development, and Homicide: A Cross-National Investigation (2011). Social Indicators Research 105: 519-540, 2011, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2511345

Blaine Robbins

New York University Abu Dhabi ( email )

PO Box 129188
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates

David Pettinicchio (Contact Author)

University of Toronto ( email )

Sociology
725 Spadina
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2J4
Canada

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