RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Hanging Out with the Usual Suspects
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 1758
OP 1788
DO 10.3368/jhr.58.1.0819-10353R2
VO 57
IS 5
A1 Stephen B. Billings
A1 Kevin T. Schnepel
YR 2022
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/57/5/1758.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 reentry following incarceration. We measure 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 include residential addresses for offenders, we find consistent and robust evidence that a former inmate is less likely to reoffend if more of their peers are held captive while they reintegrate into society.