Abstract
This study examines the relationship between immigration and crime in France, using departmental data from 2021. Amid rising political tensions and far-right claims linking immigration to insecurity, the research investigates whether these assertions hold statistical merit. Regression analyses assess the impact of immigrant population percentages on homicide and sexual assault rates, controlling for factors such as poverty and population density. The analysis finds no significant link between immigration and homicide rates. Instead, poverty emerges as a major determinant, with departments experiencing higher poverty levels reporting significantly more homicides. Conversely, areas with higher immigrant populations report fewer sexual assaults, a trend that strengthens when socioeconomic factors are accounted for. These findings counter narratives associating immigration with increased crime, highlighting poverty and inequality as key drivers of violent crime. The study advocates addressing structural disparities as part of crime reduction strategies, redirecting focus from immigration. Future research should investigate variables like education and unemployment to deepen insights into these dynamics.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Ransford Edwards
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-2-2025 2:15 PM
End Date
4-3-2025 12:00 AM
Socioeconomic Drivers of Crime in France: Analyzing the Relationship Between Immigration, Poverty, and Criminality
Alvin Sherman Library
This study examines the relationship between immigration and crime in France, using departmental data from 2021. Amid rising political tensions and far-right claims linking immigration to insecurity, the research investigates whether these assertions hold statistical merit. Regression analyses assess the impact of immigrant population percentages on homicide and sexual assault rates, controlling for factors such as poverty and population density. The analysis finds no significant link between immigration and homicide rates. Instead, poverty emerges as a major determinant, with departments experiencing higher poverty levels reporting significantly more homicides. Conversely, areas with higher immigrant populations report fewer sexual assaults, a trend that strengthens when socioeconomic factors are accounted for. These findings counter narratives associating immigration with increased crime, highlighting poverty and inequality as key drivers of violent crime. The study advocates addressing structural disparities as part of crime reduction strategies, redirecting focus from immigration. Future research should investigate variables like education and unemployment to deepen insights into these dynamics.
