Racial inequality and homicide rates: Empirical evidence in Brazil (2006-2009)

This study investigates the determinants of homicide deaths among Black and Brown individuals in Brazil (2016–2019). On average, the homicide rate in this group was three times higher than in non-Black and non-Brown populations. The objective is to propose and estimate an economic model that explains the socioeconomic relationships underlying homicide victimization. Based on multidimensional deprivation counting, the findings show that Black and Brown individuals experience deprivations in several socioeconomic dimensions, which reduce their opportunity cost for engaging in illegal activities. Panel data estimates indicate that socioeconomic deprivation is a key factor in mortality. Positive elasticities are associated with the lack of urban infrastructure, limited access to the formal labor market, and low proportions of individuals with higher education.