Changing Patterns in Violent Victimization: An Exploration of Causes and Correlates of the Narrowing Gender Gap (1973–2018)

Abstract

Historically, violent male victimization has been substantially higher than females, but since the 1970s has declined toward near gender parity. The purpose of this exploratory study was to identify causes or correlates for this unprecedented change. Victimization data (NCS/NCVS, 1973–2018) were combined with social, economic, behavioral, and criminal justice data from eight sources to examine longitudinal trends using time series (ARIMA) and panel data modeling. Results show that the narrowing of the gender victimization ratio was not a direct byproduct of changes in crime but was correlated with lower high school dropout rates, improved economic conditions, more women in the workforce, and increased numbers of police officers. Further research is needed to identify specific causal mechanisms related to these variables.