Citation

Gartner R. Am. Sociol. Rev. 1990; 55(1): 92-106.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, American Sociological Association)

DOI

10.2307/2095705

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper develops and tests a model of cross-national and temporal variation in homicide rates using sex- and age-specific victimization data from 18 developed nations for the years 1950-1980. The results indicate that the structural and cultural factors that explain homicide rates in the United States are also associated with sex- and age-specific homicide rates in other countries. Some factors, such as absolute deprivation and extent of official violence, are associated with higher risks across victim types. Others have effects that vary by the sex or age of the victim. For example, a measure of criminal opportunities has a significant effect on homicide rates of women and children, while economic inequality and cultural heterogeneity are associated with higher rates only for adults. Family dissolution is associated with higher risks for adults and older children, but not younger children.