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Prison as a Criminal School: Peer Effects and Criminal Learning behind Bars

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  • Anna Piil Damm
  • Cédric Gorinas

Abstract

We investigate peer effects on crime-specific recidivism using register data for the entire Danish prison population. We find that inmates do not acquire new criminal capital in prison (no introductory peer effects). For certain types of crimes, we find that inmates strengthen their criminal capital in prison because of exposure to offenders in their field of specialization (reinforcing peer effects). Our results accord with a theory of crime-specific knowledge transmission and network building: we find reinforcing peer effects for crimes that require specific capital, planning, and networks (for example, drug crimes, theft, burglary, and fencing) and/or are more effective when committed in groups (for example, threats and vandalism). Reinforcing peer effects are especially strong because of exposure to more experienced criminals. By contrast, we find that exposure to offenders in the same specialization deters inmates from recidivism for violent offenses, including sexual offenses and robbery.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Piil Damm & Cédric Gorinas, 2020. "Prison as a Criminal School: Peer Effects and Criminal Learning behind Bars," Journal of Law and Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 63(1), pages 149-180.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jlawec:doi:10.1086/706820
    DOI: 10.1086/706820
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    Cited by:

    1. Bastien Michel & Camille Hémet, 2022. "Custodial versus non-custodial sentences: Long-run evidence from an anticipated reform," PSE Working Papers halshs-03899897, HAL.
    2. Andrew Bibler & Stephen B. Billings & Stephen L. Ross, 2023. "Does School Choice Leave Behind Future Criminals?," Working papers 2023-02, University of Connecticut, Department of Economics.
    3. Rose, C.; & Williams, J.; & Bretteville-Jensen, A.L.;, 2024. "Do Peers Support or Subvert Recovery from Substance Use Disorders," Health, Econometrics and Data Group (HEDG) Working Papers 24/18, HEDG, c/o Department of Economics, University of York.
    4. Lindquist, Matthew J. & Patacchini, Eleonora & Vlassopoulos, Michael & Zenou, Yves, 2024. "Spillovers in Criminal Networks: Evidence from Co-offender Deaths," IZA Discussion Papers 17113, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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