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The Intergenerational Costs of Crime: Evidence from Maternal Victimization in Brazil

Author

Listed:
  • Koppensteiner, Martin

    (University of Surrey)

  • Menezes, Livia

    (University of Birmingham)

Abstract

We study the causal effect of maternal criminal victimization on child health using linked police reports and birth records from Brazil. Focusing on robbery and theft - everyday crimes not involving physical injury - we show that victimization during pregnancy increases low birthweight by 6.9 percentage points, with effects particularly pronounced among socioeconomically disadvantaged mothers. These effects are comparable in magnitude to those documented for physical assaults, indicating that stress and economic disruption alone adversely affect fetal development. We also document persistent effects, including elevated hospitalization and ICU admission rates in early childhood, pointing to significant intergenerational costs.

Suggested Citation

  • Koppensteiner, Martin & Menezes, Livia, 2026. "The Intergenerational Costs of Crime: Evidence from Maternal Victimization in Brazil," IZA Discussion Papers 18413, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18413
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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