Hate Source: White Supremacist Hate Groups and Hate Crime

Abstract

The relationship between hate group activity and hate crime is theoretically ambiguous. Hate groups may incite criminal behavior in support of their beliefs. On the other hand, hate groups may reduce hate crime by serving as a forum for members to verbally vent their frustrations or as protection from biased violence. I find that the presence of an active white supremacist hate group chapter is associated with a 19.1 percent higher hate crime rate. Because white supremacist groups are not associated with the level of anti-white hate crimes committed by non-whites, I am able to reject the possibility that the positive relationship between group presence and hate crimes are symptomatic of the overall level of biased-based violence. Moreover, I am also able to reject the hypothesis that, due to recent increases in hate crimes by non-whites, white supremacist groups form for self-defense.

Keywords: hate crimes, hate groups, white supremacist

JEL Classification: K14, J15, D71