I have read the original Freakamonics study as well as various pro and con follow ups.
The state by state comparisons of crime rates and abortion legality and availability show that there is a correlation, and makes a good case for causation.
This is also backed up by similar studies of crime stats in other countries.
However, I do not think the numbers show that abortion was the prime driver behind a reduction in crime.
I think there are several factors more important, including the huge spike in prison populations.
quote:
what does everyone think about the “Freakanomics” theory that easy access to abortions for lower class people is what caused the decrease in crime in the 90s (and today, presumably) ??
i think it’s pretty spot on. sorta. harsher drug penalties had bit to do with it too.. pretty much everyone was getting arrested for crack back in the 80s. i bet there is a chapter in freakonomics that probably mentions how luxury ice creams cause regular ice cream prices in low income neighborhoods to sky rocket as well. also there were SO many people doing crack in the 80s, and in general crackheads dont want babies, that’s not to say many didnt have them, but had there not been so many people on crack of course there would have been more babies. and more babies = more crime for low income populations.
yeah arkady
freakanomics was a nice read – but the whole book pretty much assumed correlation and causation mean the same thing – which they don’t
I have read the original Freakamonics study as well as various pro and con follow ups.
The state by state comparisons of crime rates and abortion legality and availability show that there is a correlation, and makes a good case for causation.
This is also backed up by similar studies of crime stats in other countries.
However, I do not think the numbers show that abortion was the prime driver behind a reduction in crime.
I think there are several factors more important, including the huge spike in prison populations.
During the same period there was easier access to condoms because of Aids which might’ve had an impact.
Thx, rf. Not sure I’ve got the creds, but thanks for thinking of me.
Ok…I’m gonna go get in the shower before I lose my effin mind.
quote:
what does everyone think about the “Freakanomics” theory that easy access to abortions for lower class people is what caused the decrease in crime in the 90s (and today, presumably) ??
i think it’s pretty spot on. sorta. harsher drug penalties had bit to do with it too.. pretty much everyone was getting arrested for crack back in the 80s. i bet there is a chapter in freakonomics that probably mentions how luxury ice creams cause regular ice cream prices in low income neighborhoods to sky rocket as well. also there were SO many people doing crack in the 80s, and in general crackheads dont want babies, that’s not to say many didnt have them, but had there not been so many people on crack of course there would have been more babies. and more babies = more crime for low income populations.
*rob*
*rob*
I’m sure parenting will get harder/scarrier in the teenage years – I just don’t think it will be more so than a generation or two ago.
Sign strikes me as awfully cynical. I hope someone sprays a huge coathanger on it.
Rob, it was a joke!