Effect of social capital on vulnerability to violence: empirical evidence from India

Abstract

This paper is devoted to vulnerability to crime, which is a relatively neglected aspect in the literature on the Economics of crime. The India Human Development Survey data is used to empirically examine the relationship of vulnerability to crime (specifically attack or threat) with social capital, while controlling for economic status. It is found that aspects of social capital such as membership of religious or caste organizations, political connections and acquaintance with government officials play a role in determining household vulnerability to attack or threat. Furthermore, vulnerability seems to be persistent as well as higher in the survey round which was conducted around election time.