Race And Homicide In The U.S. National Longitudinal Mortality Study

The purpose of the study was to examine long-term trends and socioeconomic and structural covariates of homicide victimization. In particular, it examined black race as a risk factor, and whether its effect would be eliminated if appropriate controls are made for indicators of disadvantage, such as unemployment, low educational attainment, and low income. To study time trends, National Vital Statistics data were used. To examine covariate effects, data were derived from the U.S. National Longitudinal Mortality Study. Controlling for education and demographic covariates reduced the black race effect by nearly 30%. When employment status and income were taken into account, the risk was reduced by over 41%. Inner-city residence was one of the strongest predictors of homicide. The impact of black race was reduced but not eliminated. Support was found for social disadvantage theory, but some disadvantage indicators predicted homicide more strongly among whites than blacks. (C) 2006 by The HaworthPress, Inc. All rights reserved.