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
We empirically test an integral model for healthcare and child support benefits take-up using a probabilitysample of the Dutch population (N = 905). To examine how different psychological factors,... Show moreWe empirically test an integral model for healthcare and child support benefits take-up using a probabilitysample of the Dutch population (N = 905). To examine how different psychological factors, in conjunction,explain take-up, we apply model averaging with Akaike’s Information Criterion (AICC). For both types ofbenefits, people’s perceptions of eligibility best explain take-up. For healthcare benefits, take-up also relatesto perceptions of need. Exploratory analyses suggest that for healthcare benefits but not for child supportbenefits, executive functions, self-efficacy, fear of reclaims, financial stress, and welfare stigma explainperceived eligibility. We find no support for knowledge, support, and administrative burden as explanatoryfactors in take-up. We discuss the results in relation to the Capability Opportunity Motivation Behaviour(COM-B) model for developing behavioural change interventions. Show less
