Convergence in Homicide Rates Across the European Union Countries: Toward an Effective and Genuine Security Union
CRIME & DELINQUENCY, vol.69, no.1, pp.105-120, 2023 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 69 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2023
- Doi Number: 10.1177/00111287221092718
- Journal Name: CRIME & DELINQUENCY
- Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, International Bibliography of Social Sciences, Periodicals Index Online, Criminal Justice Abstracts, EBSCO Education Source, EBSCO Legal Source, Education Abstracts, HeinOnline-Law Journal Library, PAIS International, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, Social services abstracts, Sociological abstracts, Violence & Abuse Abstracts
- Page Numbers: pp.105-120
- Keywords: homicide rates, convergence, the European Union
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This paper investigates whether homicide rates among the European Union (EU) member countries tend to converge over the period 1990 to 2018. We use the concept of beta-convergence proposed by Barro and Sala-i-Martin (1992) and employ the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM, hereafter) methodology for 2-years span panel data of 26 EU member countries. The results provide strong evidence for both absolute and conditional convergence of homicide rates across EU countries. Moreover, speed of homicide convergence is increased by the control variables, namely GDP per capita and unemployment rate. Hence, we conclude that the economic integration contributes to the process of convergence in homicide rates in the EU. JEL classification: O47; C23; K42