Occupational Licensure and Property Crime

This study examines the eect of state occupational licensing regulations on property crime. A cross- sectional state-level analysis demonstrates a positive relationship between occupational licensing require- ments and property-crime rates. Cross-sectional results also reveal a negative relationship between oc- cupational licensing requirements and labor-force participation rates. Two-stage least squares estimates suggests that licensing requirements increase property-crime rates through its eect on the labor-force participation rate. The youth particularly suers from the negative consequences of licensing burdens. High licensing burdens and other labor market regulations creates barriers to employment opportuni- ties and can lead to idle hands. This disenfranchisement can provide individuals with a motive and opportunity to commit crime.

本研究探讨了州级职业许可法规（state occupational licensing regulations）对财产犯罪的影响。州级横截面分析（cross-sectional state-level analysis）显示，职业许可要求与财产犯罪率之间存在正相关关系。横截面分析结果还表明，职业许可要求与劳动力参与率之间存在负相关关系。两阶段最小二乘法估计（two-stage least squares estimates）表明，许可要求通过影响劳动力参与率来提高财产犯罪率。年轻人尤其受到许可负担带来的负面影响。高许可负担及其他劳动力市场法规会阻碍就业机会，导致劳动力闲置。这种权利剥夺（disenfranchisement）可能为个人提供犯罪的动机和机会。