The Victims of Homicide: A Temporal and Cross-National Comparison

Abstract

This paper develops and tests a model of cross-national and temporal variation in homicide rates using sex- and age-specific victimization data from 18 developed nations for the years 1950-1980. The results indicate that the structural and cultural factors that explain homicide rates in the United States are also associated with sex- and age-specific homicide rates in other countries. Some factors such as absolute deprivation and extent of official violence are associated with higher risks across victim types. Others have effects that vary by the sex or age of the victim. (EXCERPT)