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Impact of Population Heterogeneity and Income Inequality on Homicide Rates: A Cross-National Assessment

NCJ Number
240894
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 56 Issue: 5 Dated: August 2012 Pages: 730-748
Author(s)
Don Soo Chon
Date Published
August 2012
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This research examines three diffent dimensions of population heterogeneity on national homicide rates.
Abstract
The current research produces regression models with sample sizes from 127 to 131 by initially employing a dataset of 170 nations. The current study finds that ethnic heterogeneity and linguistic heterogeneity lead to higher homicide rates. However, religious heterogeneity has no impact on homicide rates. The present article also tests an interaction effect between population heterogeneity and income inequality. Unlike J. R. Blau and Blau (1982) and Avision and Loring (1986) proposition, the interaction term is not related to national homicide rates. The current study also discusses the theoretical implications of those findings. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.