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Conscription and Crime: Evidence from the Argentine Draft Lottery

Author

Listed:
  • Sebastian Galiani

    (Washington University in St. Louis)

  • Martín A. Rossi

    (Universidad de San Andrés)

  • Ernesto Schargrodsky

    (Universidad Torcuato Di Tella)

Abstract

We estimate the causal effect of mandatory participation in the military service on the involvement in criminal activities. We exploit the random assignment of young men to military service in Argentina through a draft lottery to identify this causal effect. Using a unique set of administrative data that includes draft eligibility, participation in the military service, and criminal records, we find that participation in the military service increases the likelihood of developing a criminal record in adulthood. The effects are not only significant for the cohorts that performed military service during war times, but also for those that provided service at peace times. We also find that military service has detrimental effects on future performance in the labor market.

Suggested Citation

  • Sebastian Galiani & Martín A. Rossi & Ernesto Schargrodsky, 2010. "Conscription and Crime: Evidence from the Argentine Draft Lottery," Working Papers 2010.55, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei.
    • Handle: RePEc:fem:femwpa:2010.55
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Military Service; Violent behavior; Crime;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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