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Brazilian Criminality: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Paulo R. A. Loureiro

    (Departamento de Economia (Department of Economics) Faculdade de Economia, Administração, Contabilidade e Ciência da Informação e Documentação (FACE) (Faculty of Economics, Administration, Accounting and Information Science) Universidade de Brasília)

  • Mário Jorge Cardoso de Mendonça

    (Instituto de Pesquisa Econômica Aplicada– IPEA)

  • Adolfo Sachsida

    (Instituto de Pesquisa Econômica Aplicada– IPEA)

Abstract

This study aims at shedding light on the issue of criminality in Brazil. Previous analyses have concentrated on the impact of social factors, such as inequality, on criminality, however without making explicit the mechanism by which this variable works. The main hypothesis here is that the agent has a targeted consumption pattern given by average social standards. Non-satisfied consumption creates dissatisfaction, thus making the agent vulnerable to criminal activities. Using Becker‟s analysis (1968) in the intertemporal maximizing framework, this study shows that the income required so as not engaging in illicit activities increases proportionally with the degree of dissatisfaction. Following the methodological approach, we tested the influence of social inequality on criminality rates for a sample of Brazilian states during the 1987-95 periods, using a panel data approach. The use of this method allows for estimators capable of taking into account the existing heterogeneity among states. The main result that emerges is that social inequality given by the Gini coefficient has a positive impact on criminality rates.

Suggested Citation

  • Paulo R. A. Loureiro & Mário Jorge Cardoso de Mendonça & Adolfo Sachsida, 2010. "Brazilian Criminality: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis," Working papers - Textos para Discussao do Departamento de Economia da Universidade de Brasilia 340, Departamento de Economia da Universidade de Brasilia.
    • Handle: RePEc:brs:wpaper:340
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    File URL: http://e-groups.unb.br/face/eco/textos/didaticos/WP%20340.pdf
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