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Measuring the presence of organized crime across Italian provinces: a sensitivity analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Giovanni Bernardo

    (University of Palermo)

  • Irene Brunetti

    (National Institute for Public Policies Analysis)

  • Mehmet Pinar

    (Edge Hill University)

  • Thanasis Stengos

    (University of Guelph)

Abstract

The existing literature identifies different indicators to construct organized crime indices and places equal importance to different concepts of organized crime. This paper examines the sensitivity of organized crime across Italian provinces when different set of indicators and weights are used to combine crime indicators. Our findings suggest that there is a remarkable variation in the distribution of organized crime across Italian provinces based on the choice of indicators and the importance given to different crime indicators. It is also found that the relationship of organized crime with socioeconomic and political factors varies depending on the normative choices made in the construction of an organized crime index.

Suggested Citation

  • Giovanni Bernardo & Irene Brunetti & Mehmet Pinar & Thanasis Stengos, 2021. "Measuring the presence of organized crime across Italian provinces: a sensitivity analysis," European Journal of Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 51(1), pages 31-95, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:ejlwec:v:51:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1007_s10657-020-09676-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s10657-020-09676-0
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Organized crime; Composite index; Italian provinces; Mafia; Stochastic dominance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C12 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Hypothesis Testing: General
    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • C15 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Statistical Simulation Methods: General
    • K49 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Other
    • R58 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis - - - Regional Development Planning and Policy

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