Community-based interventions and inequality
Recent evidence indicates that alternative policies based on building community can reduce crime, especially in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Such a feature can relate to the contact hypothesis (Allport et al. 1954). This theory suggests that properly managed contact should reduce issues such as stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination, which commonly arise between individuals with different backgrounds. This kind of contact leads to better intergroup and personal interactions.
In this project, we study the effects on local crime rates of bolstering community ties. We take advantage of the quasi-random deployment of a community health policy (Barcelona Salut als Barris, BSaB) that aims to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods through community-based initiatives. We also analyse other potential impacts of the policy in terms of welfare and inequality determinants.
Researchers
Magdalena Domínguez
Daniel Montolio