This paper investigates the effect of a mandatory activation program on crime. Although the effects of ALMPs on labor market outcomes are often assessed, theorized effects on crime are seldom... Show moreThis paper investigates the effect of a mandatory activation program on crime. Although the effects of ALMPs on labor market outcomes are often assessed, theorized effects on crime are seldom analyzed. We exploit age-based policy variation and estimate a regression discontinuity model, using individual-level administrative data on the entire Dutch population around a 27-year-old age threshold. The results show a 12% reduction in crime among non-natives, a relatively vulnerable group. Our findings suggest that crime is mainly reduced on weekdays, which points towards incapacitation as the underlying causal mechanism. Due to program participation, individuals have less time to commit crime. Show less
Stam, M.T.C.; Wermink, H.T.; Blokland, A.A.J.; Been, J. 2023
The reduction of poverty is one of the central aims of welfare benefits provisions. However, rising social expenditures are increasingly met with cutbacks in welfare schemes, weakening income... Show moreThe reduction of poverty is one of the central aims of welfare benefits provisions. However, rising social expenditures are increasingly met with cutbacks in welfare schemes, weakening income protection for the most vulnerable. While the effects of such reforms on economic outcomes are generally evaluated, this is rarely true for spillover effects on crime. Yet, in light of the considerable societal costs involved with crime, it is essential to take crime into account in a comprehensive assessment of the costs and benefits of welfare policies.This thesis contains four studies that aim to address the paucity in causal evidence on the relationships between Welfare Benefits, Employment, and Crime. The main findings firstly suggest that welfare receipt substantially reduces crime by providing a guaranteed minimum income. Further analysis shows that welfare-related active labor market policies can increase crime by limiting welfare accessibility. Conversely, crime be reduced if leisure time is limited by participation in a mandatory activation program. Among welfare recipients, financially-motivated crime increases over the welfare payment cycle, while other offenses spike directly after benefits disbursement. Continuity in criminal behavior does not appear to arise from adverse labor market consequences of prior criminal behavior. Show less