Dados is one of the most widely-read social sciences journals in Latin America. Created in 1966, it publishes innovative works, originating from academic research, by Brazilian and foreign authors. Edited by IESP-UERJ, it aims to reconcile scientific rigor and academic excellence with an emphasis on public debate based on the analysis of substantive issues of society and politics.
Dados vol. 31 n. 2 Rio de Janeiro 1988
Abstract
Statistics presented confirm the popular belief that the 'atmosphere of fear' now prevalent in large Brazilian metropolises is rooted in the steady sharp rise in violent urban crime. Data for the state capitals of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Belo Horizonte and their greater metropolitan areas reveal significant growth in crime rates in recent years. A breakdown of these data permits the comparison of the evolution of specific types of crime. The statistics presented, however, do not confirm theses which link changes in crime rates to Brazil's economic crisis or to poverty and unemployment in general. Quite the contrary, these variables have a comparatively lesser effect on crime rates than 'do variables of "dissuasion" (funding for public security, number of police officers active in crime prevention and repression, etc). Based on available data, it is concluded that turning crime into an "economic" problem or one of social justice would be incorrect; on the contrary, high crime rates continue to represent a criminal justice problem.
A Criminalidade Urbana Violenta
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