Post by Tamrin on Apr 24, 2009 7:27:59 GMT 10
Effects of Diminished Economic Opportunities
on Social Stress: Heart Attacks, Strokes and Crime
[Summary - Study by Profs. Mary Merva and Richard Fowles, University of Utah - Linked Above]
on Social Stress: Heart Attacks, Strokes and Crime
[Summary - Study by Profs. Mary Merva and Richard Fowles, University of Utah - Linked Above]
The economic and social costs associated with unemployment and poverty can be quite significant. Using data from 1976 to 1990 for 30 major metropolitan areas in the United States, with a combined population in 1990 of nearly 80 million people, this report uncovers striking statistical relationships between deteriorating economic opportunity (as measured by unemployment, poverty, and wage inequality) and the incidence of heart attacks, strokes, and crimes against persons and property. Our estimates show that a one percentage point rise in the unemployment rate results in a:
In addition to the relationship between unemployment and social stress, this report highlights the effect of an increase in the poverty rate on homicides, violent crimes, and robberies. Poverty increased 1.4 percentage points, from 11.7 percent of the U.S. population in 1979 to 13.1 percent in 1988. We estimate that, as a result of this increase in the poverty rate, the number of homicides was 10 percent higher in 1988 than in 1979; the number of violent crimes was six percent higher; and the number of robberies was seven percent higher.
The findings reported in this briefing paper strongly suggest that economic policies that create jobs and decrease poverty will significantly reduce fatalities due to heart attacks and strokes and will lower crime rates.
- 5.6 percent increase in deaths due to heart disease;
- 3.1 percent increase in deaths due to stroke;
- 6.7 percent increase in homicides;
- 3.4 percent increase in violent crimes; and,
- 2.4 percent increase in property crimes.
- 35,307 additional deaths due to heart disease;
- 2,77 1 additional deaths due to stroke;
- 1,459 additional homicides;
- 62,607 additional violent crimes (including burglary,
- aggravated assault, and murder); and,
- 223,550 additional property crimes (including robbery,
larceny, and motor vehicle theft).
In addition to the relationship between unemployment and social stress, this report highlights the effect of an increase in the poverty rate on homicides, violent crimes, and robberies. Poverty increased 1.4 percentage points, from 11.7 percent of the U.S. population in 1979 to 13.1 percent in 1988. We estimate that, as a result of this increase in the poverty rate, the number of homicides was 10 percent higher in 1988 than in 1979; the number of violent crimes was six percent higher; and the number of robberies was seven percent higher.
The findings reported in this briefing paper strongly suggest that economic policies that create jobs and decrease poverty will significantly reduce fatalities due to heart attacks and strokes and will lower crime rates.