Working Paper: NBER ID: w17309
Authors: Rafael Di Tella; Juan Dubra
Abstract: We describe the evolution of selective aspects of punishment in the US over the period 1980-2004. We note that imprisonment increased around 1980, a period that coincides with the "Reagan revolution" in economic matters. We build an economic model where beliefs about economic opportunities and beliefs about punishment are correlated. We present three pieces of evidence (across countries, within the US and an experimental exercise) that are consistent with the model.
Keywords: No keywords provided
JEL Codes: E62; K14; P16
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Beliefs concerning economic opportunities (P19) | Desired punishment levels in society (K42) |
| Beliefs concerning economic opportunities (P19) | Increase in punitive measures (K42) |
| Support for the death penalty (K14) | Beliefs about economic effort (P19) |
| Economic disadvantage exposure (I24) | Favor lighter sentences (K40) |
| Economic beliefs (P19) | Punitiveness (K42) |