LAUSR

Abstract Purpose The article revisits the negative effect of welfare state schemes on crime rates with a focus on the pathways of that effect. Social support theory (SST) and institutional anomie theory (IAT) are two related theoretical approaches to explain why – and how – the welfare state might prevent criminal behavior. This article tests the relevance of these theories for cross-country and over-time variation in homicide rates with more precise disaggregated welfare state indicators than used previously. Methods We use panel regressions with country fixed effects and data for 18 OECD countries between 1990 and 2011. Disaggregated cross-national social expenditure and benefit generosity data is used to discriminate between pathways of welfare state influence on cross-national homicide. Results The welfare state suppresses crime particularly through social support via generous unemployment benefits. Overall decommodification, the key measure to test IAT, however, does not have any effect on homicide. Conclusions Only some welfare state interventions matter for homicide rates.