NCJ Number
100507
Date Published
1985
Length
189 pages
Annotation
An analysis of the relationship between crime and the labor market focused in particular on patterns relating to age.
Abstract
Data came from FBI arrest statistics and the Census Bureau's Population Survey for 1977-80. The data were aggregated by State for five different age groups. The variables representing underemployment were unemployment, subunemployment (a discouraged worker proxy), low hours, and low wages. The availability of employment regardless of the wage level had the strongest effects for juveniles aged 14-17. For young adults (ages 18-24) the quality of employment was more important. Underemployment by low hours and low wages were both associated with high arrest rates. Among mature adults in the 25-44 age range, subunemployment, produced the strongest effects. The effects were mixed for all variables for the groups aged 45 and over. Total underemployment and juvenile unemployment were the only two variables found to be positively associated with arrest rates for both personal and property crimes in the three younger age groups with highest arrest rates. However, aggregate data may not identify populations at risk within each age range. Data tables, footnotes, a figure, appended tables, and 172 references. (Author abstract modified)