RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Hanging Out with the Usual Suspects: Neighborhood Peer Effects and Recidivism
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 0819-10353R2
DO 10.3368/jhr.58.1.0819-10353R2
A1 Stephen B. Billings
A1 Kevin T. Schnepel
YR 2020
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/early/2020/10/02/jhr.58.1.0819-10353R2.abstract
AB Social interactions within neighborhoods, schools and detention facilities are important determinants of criminal behavior. However, little is known about the degree to which neighborhood peers affect successful community re-entry following incarceration. This paper measures the influence of social networks on recidivism by exploiting the fact that neighborhood peers may be locked up when a prisoner returns home. Using detailed arrest and incarceration data that includes residential addresses for offenders, we find consistent and robust evidence that a former inmate is less likely to reoffend if more of his peers are held captive while he reintegrates into society.