Does development deter crime against women? Panel evidence from India

Abstract

PurposeThis paper investigates the deterrence effect of development on crime against women in India. Specifically, the authors examine the deterrence effect of the composite development index, i.e. Human Development Index (HDI), along with other variables acting as development indicators such as women’s employment, the relative strength of women in the police force, urbanization, etc., on crimes against women.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a fixed effect within-group (WG) panel regression model and pooled regression model on the data of 28 states over 20 years from 2000 to 2019. For checking the robustness of the results, the authors use the estimation from the system generalized method of moments.FindingsThe results confirm the deterrence effect of development as measured by the HDI and female labor force participation on various crimes against women. In addition, female feticide representing the socio-cultural attitude toward women turned out to be another significant determinant of almost all types of crime against women. Further, the study also finds the deterrence effect of variables such as police expenditure, the relative strength of women in the police force, urbanization and arrest rate on various crimes against women.Originality/valueThis research paper is unique because it tries to examine the deterrence hypothesis of development by taking a composite index of development, i.e. HDI and other variables at the state level in the Indian union.

Role of institution in combating crime in India: an empirical study

“…More female member participates in work and crime rate falls. Gupta et al (2022) confirmed the deterrence effect of development on several crimes against women. Ebomoyi and Igbinedion (2017) show impact of socio-demographic factors on crime in Nigeria during the period of 1981-2015.…”

“…1. See Becker (1968), Brenner (1976, Miethe et al (1991), Dutta and Husain (2009), Poveda (2012), Ahmed et al (2014), Ebomoyi and Igbinedion (2017), Kizigol and Selim (2017), Yin (2017), Hazra (2020), Rakshit and Neog (2021), Gupta et al (2022), etc.…”

“…More female member participates in work and crime rate falls. Gupta et al . (2022) confirmed the deterrence effect of development on several crimes against women.…”

“…Traditionally, people believe that economic and social factors are responsible for criminal activities in the economy. The earlier studies (Allen, 1996; Becker, 1968; Miethe et al ., 1991; Ebomoyi and Igbinedion, 2017; Yin, 2017; Hazra, 2020; Rakshit and Neog, 2021; Gupta et al ., 2022) have established it in literature. Following literature, this study also re-examines the relationship between socio-economic variables and property crime [2].…”

Understanding the Grand Challenges of South African Police Women: Can Relevant Policy Measures Ease This Burden?

“…Moreover, a few factors that tend to influence or determine empowerment include gender, nationality, marital status, age, economic activity, health, intra-family distribution and social role (Gupta et al 2022). Other factors influencing the degree of empowerment include participation in economic activities.…”