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Homicide Through a Different Lens

NCJ Number
236515
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 51 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2011 Pages: 823-838
Author(s)
Patrice K. Morris; Adam Graycar
Date Published
2011
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This paper explores the influence of partisan politics, State authority, and neighborhood social organization on homicide rates in Jamaica.
Abstract
Homicide rates vary across modern societies, yet most scholarly works on homicide are based on studies in developed countries, although, in less developed countries, homicide rates are higher. Homicide is multidimensional and its related social causes and prevalence differ across cultures. In low-homicide countries, most homicides occur as a result of either criminal activity or personal relationship difficulties. This paper highlights that, in one developing countryJamaicaa different pattern is more common. High homicide rates are connected with partisan politics and neighborhood social organization. The argument is that neighborhood social and political factors drive high homicide rates in urban Jamaica. (Published Abstract)