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Digital economy, the income gap, and regional crime rates in China

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  • Li, Yunxian
  • Li, Fen

Abstract

This study uses data from 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and cities in China from 2010 to 2022 to examine the relationship between the digital economy, the income gap, and regional crime rates. The findings reveal that the digital economy can reduce regional crime rates, the income gap increases regional crime rates, education has a significant moderating influence between the income gap and the regional crime rate, and apparent differences exist in the impact of the income gap on the crime rate in different regions.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Yunxian & Li, Fen, 2025. "Digital economy, the income gap, and regional crime rates in China," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:75:y:2025:i:c:s1544612325001266
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2025.106861
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