This study systematically tests a formal theory of how certain dimensions of social stratification-income, race, and age-relate to risk of predatory criminal victimization. An opportunity theory of criminal victimization is proposed, focusing on the mediating role played byfive riskfactors: exposure, guardianship, proximity to potential offenders, attractiveness of potential targets, and definitional properties of specific crimes themselves. Propositions are derived pertaining to the bivariate and multivariate-partial (main) effects expected from the theory and tested in analyses based on a representative sample of the U.S. population for the crimes of assault, burglary, and personal larceny. These data indicate that the relationship between the dimensions of social stratification and the offenses studied here is complex, and that, other things being equal, those usually thought to be most vulnerable economically and socially-the poor, the nonwhite, the old-are not the most likely victims of crime. Race has little direct effect on victimization risk, while age is inversely related to each type of crime at both the bivariate and multivariate levels of analyses. The findings are largely consistent with the proposed theory.
Major musculoskeletal conditions including arthritis represent an increasing burden on individuals and societies. We analyzed the association between self-reported arthritis and mortality in the U.S. elderly disabled and non-disabled individuals using unique disability-focused data from the large-scale population-based National Long Term Care Survey. It was found that males and females who reported arthritis/rheumatism have, generally, smaller risks of death than those who did not report those conditions. This inverse relationship is more pronounced in disabled individuals. This finding holds for both short-term (relative risk [RR] = 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.75–0.88 for males and RR = 0.76; CI = 0.71–0.82 for females) and long-term follow-ups (RR = 0.82; CI = 0.78–0.87 for males and RR = 0.83; CI = 0.79–0.87 for females). For females, this effect is age insensitive, while for males it is limited to ages below 85. Demographic and 19 major self-reported geriatric conditions have trivial effect on these risks, supporting the view that a better survival of diseased individuals can be attributed to the effects of medical treatment. Given the widespread prevalence of arthritis/rheumatism and disability in elderly populations and the increasing population of the elderly, these findings call for comprehensive analyses of factors driving better survival and medical costs associated with extended lives.
Relative to studies of U.S. homicide trends, few have investigated cross-national trends. We explore hidden heterogeneity across a sample of 82 nations between 1980 and 2010, and examine (a) what distinct latent trajectories are represented among these nations? and (b) what structural factors characterize these latent trajectory groups? World Health Organization mortality data were used for the trajectory analyses wherein three distinct groups were identified. Structural characteristics of each group are compared to determine which factors account for their trajectories. Characteristics that predicted group placement include a development index, divorced males, female labor force participation, and Latin American region.
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