General evolution and Durkheim's hypothesis of crime frequency: A cross-cultural test

The Sociological Quarterly • Vol/Iss. 33(2) • Blackwell Publishing Ltd • • Published In • Pages: 241-263 •
By Leavitt, Gregory C.

Hypothesis

Social differentiation will be positively associated with indices of miscellaneous crime (251).

Note

Only division of weaving labor, political complexity, settlement size, cooperative vs. competitive economic behavior, and lending predict all categories at p < 0.05 level.

Test

Test NameSupportSignificanceCoefficientTail
Rank-order correlationPartially Supportedp < 0.05UNKNOWNUNKNOWN

Variables

Variable NameVariable Type OCM Term(s)
GamblingDependentGambling
Political ComplexityIndependentTerritorial Hierarchy
Settlement SizeIndependentSettlement Patterns
Social ClassesIndependentClasses
Subsistence ActivityIndependentDiet
Transportation TechnologyIndependentTransportation
Wealth DistinctionsIndependentClasses
Military TechnologyIndependentMilitary Technology
Communication TechnologyIndependentElectrical Machines And Appliances, Transmission Of Messages
Division of Labor (Weaving)IndependentOccupational Specialization, Woven And Other Interworked Fabrics
Division of Labor (Metal Working)IndependentMetallurgy, Occupational Specialization
Land OwnershipIndependentProperty System
Cooperative vs. Competitive Economic BehaviorIndependentMutual Aid
LendingIndependentBorrowing And Lending
ProstitutionDependentIllegal Entertainment
Drug UseDependentRecreational And Non-therapeutic Drugs, Social Offenses
FraudDependentProperty Offenses
Juvenile DelinquencyDependentDelinquency
Professional CrimeDependentOrganized Crime
Organized CrimeDependentOrganized Crime