Using Anomie Institutional Theory to Explain Crime in the ECOWAS Region: Policy Implications

This study used Anomie Institutional Theory to explain crime in the ECOWAS region inform policy. The sample size this particular considered fifteen-member countries region. employed correlational research design. data source for all variables came primarily from World Health Organization’s (WHO) Mortality Database, Development Indicators, Bank, UNDP, and CIA Factbook. finds that development has a significant negative relationship with homicide, therefore indicates homicide rates tend be higher nations have younger populations, lower life expectancies, infant mortality rates, GDPs per capita, fewer urban residents. found positive product term interaction between economic participation noneconomic [i.e. similar analyses of Messner & Rosenfeld (1997); Hughes et al. (2015); Weld Roche (2016)], indicating is actually exacerbated by strong participation. may indicative greater anomic pressures societies where individuals face competing succeed multiple institutional domains. recommends Crime control should collaborative effort among stakeholders. Above all, leadership must ensure balance across member minimize Keywords: Anomie, Institutions, Crime, economic, Non-economic, Time-Use, Strains, Homicide, Policy DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/12-6-10 Publication date: September 30 th 2022