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Imbalanced Sex Ratios and Violent Victimization in Mexico

Author

Listed:
  • Scott J. South

    (University at Albany, State University of New York)

  • Soojin Han

    (University at Albany, State University of New York)

  • Katherine Trent

    (University at Albany, State University of New York)

Abstract

The migration of young men from Mexico to the United States generates a deficit of men and a relative abundance of women in many Mexican communities, but the implications of this imbalanced sex ratio for Mexicans’ risks of criminal victimization has received little attention. We merge individual-level data from 19,551 inhabitants of 136 municipalities covered in the 2002 Mexican Family Life Survey with aggregated data from the 2000 Mexico population census to examine the association between the municipality-level percentage of men at ages 15 to 39 and self-reports of recent violent victimization. Multilevel logistic regression modeling reveals a curvilinear relationship between percent male and the likelihood of experiencing a violent victimization, with victimization risks lowest in municipalities characterized by either unusually low or unusually high numbers of men. Respondents residing in municipalities having a more balanced sex composition experience the highest risk of victimization. The risk of experiencing a violent victimization also varies sharply by age, gender, socioeconomic status, and community characteristics.

Suggested Citation

  • Scott J. South & Soojin Han & Katherine Trent, 2022. "Imbalanced Sex Ratios and Violent Victimization in Mexico," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 41(3), pages 843-864, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:poprpr:v:41:y:2022:i:3:d:10.1007_s11113-021-09667-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s11113-021-09667-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Claire E. Altman & Bridget K. Gorman & Sergio Chávez, 2018. "Exposure to Violence, Coping Strategies, and Diagnosed Mental Health Problems Among Adults in a Migrant-Sending Community in Central Mexico," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 37(2), pages 229-260, April.
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