An Examination of Cross-National Variation in Punitiveness

This research examines why nations differ as to rates of imprisonment, prison conditions, and use of capital punishment. Variables representing the major theoretical perspectives are used to examine differences in a much larger sample of nations than has been used in previous research. Regression analysis indicates that homicide rates—and, to a lesser degree, total crime rates—have positive associations to prison rates, whereas street-level law enforcement has a negative association. Dummy variables representing nations grouped by geographic region greatly increase variance explained, indicating a historical-cultural component to use of imprisonment. Little to no support was found for civilization theory, inequality, or unemployment variables. Discriminant analysis indicated that degree of human development and freedom as well as inequality helped classify nations according to prison conditions, whereas the freedom variable helped classify nations that did and did not use capital punishment. Dummy geographic region variables were important in classifying nations by prison conditions and capital punishment, again indicating the probable importance of historicalcultural factors.