Age Dependency Ratios and Crime Rates: A New Variation on an Old Theme

• NCJ Number: 109535
• Author(s): G Feinberg
• Date Published: Unknown
• Length: 32 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Paper presented at the American Society of Criminology.

Annotation

Age dependency ratios of a population (the proportion under age 18 and over 64 divided by those 18-64) are examined as a variant of economic pressure having possible criminogenic consequences.

Abstract

Age dependency ratios are calculated for each State and the District of Columbia using U.S. 1980 census data. Corresponding total crime rates for those aged 18-64 are obtained from 1980 Uniform Crime Reports data. Linear and log linear analyses are performed. These analyses are repeated controlling for violent index crimes, index property crimes, fraud, embezzlement, drunkenness, drunk driving, and disorderly conduct. Contrary to the hypothesis, age dependency ratios evidence no significant linear or nonlinear relationship with selected crime rates manifest by working-age adults. Possible reasons for the data's failure to support the hypothesis are that the age dependency-working age group cut-offs may not be extreme enough to translate into dependency, and the categories are only crude approximations of dependency. The study did not control for supplemental economic resources aimed at mitigating economic stress problems. Also, lifestyle conditions in general may be sufficiently high so as to thwart the possible emergence of economic distress despite high age dependency ratios. 45-item bibliography. (Author abstract modified)