Citation

Arthur J. J. Crim. Justice 1991; 19(6): 499-513.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0047-2352(91)90062-Z

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In this report INTERPOL crime data from eleven countries in Africa were used to test the modernization theory of crime, which long has assumed that increased criminality is an unavoidable consequence of socioeconomic and industrial development. The report found substantial differences for the three offense types that were studied. Homicide rates were low in comparison to minor and major property offenses. The rates have remained stable and even decreased in some of the countries. Minor property offenses made the largest contribution to total crimes. The regression analysis revealed that homicide and major property crimes decreased during 1961-1984. The impact of development on crime was positive only for minor property crimes. Theories of crime in Africa, beyond the modernization theory, should be modified to account for (1) the motivations for criminal conduct, using individual-level data and situational factors that can be more accurately specified and controlled, (2) the characteristics of criminal offenders, (3) prosecutorial decision-making, (4) the use of informal social control mechanisms to prevent and control crime, (5) the greater formalization of institutions of social control, and finally (6) the effects of political instability on the production of crime statistics.