Social Capital and Covariates of Reoffending Risk in the Chinese Context

Abstract

This paper explores the concept of social capital as a covariate of reoffending risk in the Chinese context through semiparametric estimation of proportional hazard models. The paper extends the concept of social capital by proposing a new concept of "negative social capital," which exists in nonconventional relationships such as gangs. The nonconventional relations seem especially salient within Chinese gangs because of their special cultural roots. The findings show that, after controlling for the usual covariates of reoffending risk used in Western literature, social capital and negative social capital variables show significant effects. Being single entails a significantly higher risk of reoffending than being married. Job arrangement after release significantly reduces reoffending risk. Participation in legal education reduces the risk of reoffending. Being a Chinese gang member significantly increases the reoffending risk.