Economic inequality can generate unhappiness that leads to violent crime in society

Abstract

Many studies in social sciences have suggested different approaches to explain the violent crime in society, such as the heat hypothesis that more violence is associated to very hot weather. However, these approaches provide a partial explanation of this social issue. This study shows that, controlling the climate, the socioeconomic inequality at country level negatively affects human be-haviour and leads to high rates of violent crime in society. The socioeconomic inequality is one of contributing factors that generates aversive environments, unhappiness and, as a consequence, possibly high rates of intentional homicides in society. Overall, then, the paper here can clarify whenever possible, a vital source of the unhappiness in society that may lead to aggressive behaviour and violent crime. Finally, this study can support socioeconomic policies directed to reduce these social issues.