Working Paper: CEPR ID: DP13014
Authors: Emeline Bezin; Thierry Verdier; Yves Zenou
Abstract: We develop a two-period overlapping generations model in which both the structure of the family and the decision to commit crime are endogenous and a culture of honesty is transmitted intergenerationally by families and peers. Having a father at home might be crucial to prevent susceptible boys from becoming criminals, as this facilitates the transmission of the honesty trait against criminal behavior. By "destroying" biparental families and putting fathers in prison, we show that more intense crime repression can backfire because it increases the possibility that criminals' sons become criminals themselves. Consistent with sociological disorganization theories of crime, the model also explains the emergence and persistence of urban ghettos characterized by a large proportion of broken families and high crime rates. This is because for children who come from these broken families, negative community experiences (peer effects) further encourage their criminal participation. Finally, we discuss the efficiency of location and family policies on long-term crime rates.
Keywords: crime; social interactions; neighborhood segregation
JEL Codes: K42; J15; Z13
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Father at home (J12) | Preventing susceptible boys from becoming criminals (K42) |
| Absence of fathers due to incarceration (J12) | Increased likelihood of boys adopting criminal behaviors (K42) |
| More intense crime repression (K42) | Increased chances of criminals' sons becoming criminals (K42) |
| Higher incarceration rates (K14) | Disruption of family structures (J12) |
| Disruption of family structures (J12) | Rise in monoparental families (J12) |
| Rise in monoparental families (J12) | Negative impact on transmission of honesty traits (Z13) |
| Emergence of urban ghettos (N93) | High crime rates and broken families (J12) |
| Negative community experiences and peer effects (C92) | Encourage criminal participation among children (K42) |