Exploring the Influence of Crime on NEET Rates: A Regional Analysis of Italy

Iacopo Odoardi (), Dario D’Ingiullo, Ada Di Nucci and Davide Quaglione
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Iacopo Odoardi: DISFIPEQ-Economic and Quantitative Methods Section, University of Chieti-Pescara, 65127 Pescara, Italy
Dario D’Ingiullo: DISFIPEQ-Economic and Quantitative Methods Section, University of Chieti-Pescara, 65127 Pescara, Italy
Ada Di Nucci: DISFIPEQ-Economic and Quantitative Methods Section, University of Chieti-Pescara, 65127 Pescara, Italy
Davide Quaglione: DISFIPEQ-Economic and Quantitative Methods Section, University of Chieti-Pescara, 65127 Pescara, Italy

Merits, 2024, vol. 4, issue 2, 1-14

Abstract: The occurrence of criminal activities has the potential to hinder socioeconomic advancement, preventing individuals from investing in human capital and pursuing employment opportunities. Our investigation focuses on the hypothesis that the NEET (not in education, employment, or training) rate is related to crime levels. Through an econometric analysis based on regional data, we examine the impact of crimes against property and against persons on NEET rates within central-northern and southern Italy, while controlling for prevalent determinants of the NEET phenomenon. Our findings reveal that, compared with prevailing discouragement factors such as youth unemployment and lack of interest in tertiary education, crime exerts a more pronounced influence on elevating NEET rates. This effect is particularly evident in the relatively less developed southern regions, where violent crimes, although relatively uncommon, may disproportionately contribute to feelings of apprehension and uncertainty regarding future prospects.

Keywords: NEET; crime; human capital; unemployment; school dropout (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J L M (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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