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  5. Help Wanted: Economists, Crime and Public Policy

Help Wanted: Economists, Crime and Public Policy

  • John J. DiIulio
Journal of Economic Perspectives
vol. 10, no. 1, Winter 1996
(pp. 3-24)
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Abstract

Beginning with Gary W. Becker's (1968) article on crime and punishment, economists have contributed important theoretical insights and empirical findings to the study of criminal behavior but the influence of economists on crime-relevant research and over policy debates remains negligible. This essay summarizes some basic data on the causes of crime, the social costs and benefits of incarceration, and replenishing social capital. Work on crime by economists should become influential in setting research agendas and shaping policy debates but economists will have to roll up their sleeves, complexify their models, and confront a real-world 'prisoner's dilemma' or two.

Citation

DiIulio, John J. 1996. "Help Wanted: Economists, Crime and Public Policy." Journal of Economic Perspectives, 10 (1): 3-24. DOI: 10.1257/jep.10.1.3

JEL Classification

  • K42 Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
  • A11 Role of Economics; Role of Economists
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