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Religiosity and crime: Evidence from a city-wide shock

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  • Johnston, David
  • Khalil, Umair
  • Lee, Wang-Sheng
  • Ray, Arijit

Abstract

This paper estimates the impacts of religiosity on criminal activity using a city-wide shock to religious sentiment from a 2015 Papal visit. Using daily data on all reported offenses between 2010 and 2015 in Philadelphia at the census tract level and a difference-in-differences approach, we demonstrate significant reductions in less serious crimes in the week of the visit and for several weeks following. Reductions are particularly pronounced for drug offenses and in historically Christian areas. Notably, similar crime effects are not found for President Obama’s 2015 visit, suggesting changes in police deployment do not drive results.

Suggested Citation

  • Johnston, David & Khalil, Umair & Lee, Wang-Sheng & Ray, Arijit, 2025. "Religiosity and crime: Evidence from a city-wide shock," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 232(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:232:y:2025:i:c:s016726812500054x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2025.106934
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Economics of religion; Deviant behavior; Neighborhood;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • I25 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Economic Development

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