Description
Mexico has been dealing with drug related violence for years, which has taken thousands of lives each year and prevented economic growth. There is existing evidence that shows that higher education levels are associated with lower crime rates, yet there are not many studies on education in developing countries known for organized crime. This paper examines a regression analysis using panel data from all 32 Mexican states across the years of 2010 to 2020 to determine the relationship between crime and education. Additional factors that impact crime will include gross state product, unemployment, tourism, median income, and state demographic characteristics. Previous studies suggest the impact of schooling varies depending on the types of criminal activities. It is expected that as education increases, there will be a reduction in crime due to an improvement in employment opportunities from the increase in human capital, which in turn increases social welfare and promotes social values that discourage criminal activities. The results provide insights for policies in education as a crime prevention strategy in Mexico.
Can Education Help Fight Organized Crime in Mexico? An Examination of Education and the Effects on Homicide Across Mexican States
Mexico has been dealing with drug related violence for years, which has taken thousands of lives each year and prevented economic growth. There is existing evidence that shows that higher education levels are associated with lower crime rates, yet there are not many studies on education in developing countries known for organized crime. This paper examines a regression analysis using panel data from all 32 Mexican states across the years of 2010 to 2020 to determine the relationship between crime and education. Additional factors that impact crime will include gross state product, unemployment, tourism, median income, and state demographic characteristics. Previous studies suggest the impact of schooling varies depending on the types of criminal activities. It is expected that as education increases, there will be a reduction in crime due to an improvement in employment opportunities from the increase in human capital, which in turn increases social welfare and promotes social values that discourage criminal activities. The results provide insights for policies in education as a crime prevention strategy in Mexico.