The focus of the study is to investigate the relationship between unemployment and property crime rates. The purpose of this study will be to determine the relationship between unemployment and property crime rates for all individuals in the U.S. Since these determinants may differ according to additional factors, the effects of race and youth on unemployment and property crime will also be studied.
America's crime rate is theorized to be dependent on corporate decisions which result in social problems such as poverty and unemployment (Winslow, 2000). Raphael and Winter-Ebmer (2001) provided support for this notion with a comprehensive analysis of the effects of unemployment on crime. US state data was used, and findings showed that unemployment was related to property crime rates regardless of demographic and economic factors. Partridge and Rickman (1997) provided a comprehensive review of U.S. statistics and showed that unemployment is linked to factors such as residence length, international immigration, and education, but a direct relationship between these factors and crime was not shown. Thus while some empirical support has been provided for the link of unemployment to property crime, a comprehensive review of U.S. national statistics is needed to support this relationship.
In addition, factors such as race are viewed as being related to the link between unemployment and property crime. Studies thus far demonstrate inconsistent findings regarding this variable. Chamlin and Cochran (2000) studied race riots and robbery arrests, and found arrest rates increased only slightly and were followed by normal rates, which demonstrated that racial conflict was not a factor in increased crime rates. Alternatively, Ralston (1999) studied economy and race and their relationship to property crime rates in the United States, from 1958 to 1995. Significant positive relationships were found between property crime rate changes and...