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Does crime reduce fertility? Evidence from Jamaica

Author

Listed:
  • Kevin Williams

    (The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica)

  • Christopher Smith

    (School of Global Business, Miami Dade College, Kendall Campus)

Abstract

Jamaica has experienced a rapid decline in fertility over the past few decades, alongside persistently high levels of serious crime. However, no prior research has explored whether and how these two phenomena are linked. We use data comprised of several categories of crime to estimate the effect of crime on fertility in Jamaica. We find that the fertility of adolescent and older women responds differently to crime. While total crime reduces fertility among adolescent women, we find no effect on fertility for older women. However, serious crime reduces fertility in both groups, with a stronger impact among younger women. We provide an explanation for this heterogeneity. Our findings suggest that policymakers formulate innovative strategies to curb crime, as fertility has long-term implications for economic development.

Suggested Citation

  • Kevin Williams & Christopher Smith, 2025. "Does crime reduce fertility? Evidence from Jamaica," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 45(4), pages 1898-1914.
    • Handle: RePEc:ebl:ecbull:eb-25-00236
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • K4 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior
    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics

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