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A Double‐Edged Sword: The Countervailing Effects of Religion on Cross‐National Violent Crime

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  • Katie E. Corcoran
  • David Pettinicchio
  • Blaine Robbins

Abstract

Objective There has been a growing interest in the relationship between culture and crime in recent years, but there is little research investigating the role of religion. To clarify this empirical cleavage, we propose a Durkheimian model of the countervailing effects of religion on violent crime. Methods We test our propositions with robust linear models and a large country sample (N = 100). Results We show that religious intensity and belief in an active God are not significantly associated with intentional homicide. However, religious intensity is positively and significantly associated with assault. We also find that belief in an active God is negatively and significantly associated with assault and has a stronger effect than several structural variables. Conclusion The findings provide partial support for our Durkheimian model and suggest that cultural factors are important for predicting certain types of violent crime.

Suggested Citation

  • Katie E. Corcoran & David Pettinicchio & Blaine Robbins, 2018. "A Double‐Edged Sword: The Countervailing Effects of Religion on Cross‐National Violent Crime," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 99(1), pages 377-389, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:99:y:2018:i:1:p:377-389
    DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.12408
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Groves, W. Byron & Newman, Graeme & Corrado, Charles, 1987. "Islam, modernization and crime: A test of the religious ecology thesis," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 15(6), pages 495-503.
    2. Lederman, Daniel & Loayza, Norman & Menendez, Ana Maria, 2002. "Violent Crime: Does Social Capital Matter?," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 50(3), pages 509-539, April.
    3. Blaine Robbins & David Pettinicchio, 2012. "Social Capital, Economic Development, and Homicide: A Cross-National Investigation," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 105(3), pages 519-540, February.
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