Growth of Lethal Violence in Brazil 2000–2017: A Space-Temporal Analysis of Homicides

Abstract

This study investigates the space-temporal growth of homicide rates in Brazil from 2000 to 2017 and identifies determinants of the country’s growth of homicide rates. Data from the Brazilian Information System on Mortality and Censuses are used to estimate growth models combined with spatial statistics and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Findings show evidence of change in the geographical distribution of lethal violence over time, characterized by a steady increase in the North and Northeast regions and a reduction in growth in the South and Southeast regions of Brazil. Social disorganization factors namely deprivation, ethnic heterogeneity, and urbanization are significant positive determinants of the growth of homicide rates. The results show a reduction of the predictive strength of income inequality and an increase in that of unemployment from the year 2010 to 2017. The theoretical and policy implications of these results are discussed.

Citizens’ attitudes toward legal authorities in Brazil: Examining the impact of crime, insecurity, and corruption

“…In addition, Boateng and Dzordzormenyoh (2022) observed that the majority of Brazilians fear violent crime and based on that, have high perceptions of insecurity. Also, it has been argued that citizens’ patterns of insecurity and victimization in Brazil are influenced by factors such as the country's experience with forced occupation and slavery (Aransiola et al, 2022; Dammert, 2012; Valente & Vacchiano, 2021). Likewise, a study by Dammert (2012) identified a positive association between high crime rates and citizens’ perception of insecurity, suggesting that high crime enhances people's sense of insecurity in their neighborhood.…”