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Good Health and Well Being- Reduced Inequality
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Violent Street Crime, Globalization, and Ice Cream
Brief about:
Journal Article (2024)
Written by:
Other researchers:
Explores the unexpected findings in criminology and health research, emphasizing the importance of openness to surprising data, such as the link between ice cream consumption and reduced diabetes risk, and the impact of globalization on crime rates.
In the realm of criminology and health research, unexpected findings often challenge preconceived notions. A notable example is the research by Andres Korat, which found that among diabetics, consuming half a cup of ice cream daily was linked to a lower risk of heart problems. Despite initial skepticism, repeated analyses confirmed these results, aligning with earlier studies by Mark Pereira and others that suggested ice cream might prevent insulin-resistance syndrome, a precursor to diabetes. However, these findings have been downplayed in favor of promoting low-fat dairy products, highlighting a reluctance to embrace unexpected results. Similar examples can be found in criminology. For example, in research with Greg Midgette on the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore in 2015 we set out to study the effects of police legitimacy on crime rates. Contrary to our expectations, the incident led to increased 911 calls and violent crime rates, particularly in predominantly in poor neighborhoods, challenging assumptions about community-police relations.
In another project, Bo Jiang and I looked into the broader implications of globalization on crime rates. While globalization has been criticized for increasing inequality and poverty, we found that it may actually reduce crime rates by improving living standards and government efficiency. This aligns with historical arguments that trade and commerce can have a civilizing effect, reducing interpersonal violence. The research underscores the need for openness to unexpected findings, as ignoring them can have significant social policy implications. For instance, downplaying the rise in violent crimes following the Freddie Gray case minimizes its impact on economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Similarly, acknowledging the potential benefits of globalization could inform policies that address poverty and inequality while reducing crime.
Key findings
- Unexpected findings in research, such as the link between ice cream consumption and reduced diabetes risk, often face skepticism and are downplayed.Evidence
Andres Korat's research found that eating half a cup of ice cream daily was associated with a lower risk of heart problems among diabetics. This finding was consistent with earlier studies by Mark Pereira, which showed ice cream had a significant positive effect on preventing insulin-resistance syndrome, two and a half times the effect of skim milk.
What it meansThe reluctance to embrace unexpected findings reflects a broader issue in science, where preconceived notions can hinder the acceptance of surprising data.
- The death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore led to unexpected increases in 911 calls and violent crime rates, particularly in predominantly Black neighborhoods.Evidence
Following Gray's death, 911 calls for violent crimes increased significantly, with the greatest increases in racially heterogeneous and predominantly Black neighborhoods. Violent crime rates rose by 58% citywide, with no change in predominantly White neighborhoods.
What it meansThese findings challenge assumptions about community-police relations and highlight the complex dynamics of legitimacy and crime.
- Globalization may reduce crime rates by improving living standards and centralizing state power, contrary to common criticisms.Evidence
Studies by Bo Jiang and others show that globalization is associated with declines in homicide rates, poverty, and inequality. The analysis of 2145 cases from 78 countries found that as globalization increased, homicide rates declined, especially in poor countries with high inequality.
What it meansThese findings suggest that globalization could be a key factor in reducing crime rates, challenging the dominant narrative that it exacerbates inequality and poverty.
Proposed action
- It is fair to raise the objectivity issue as an important one for promoting continued excellence in the social sciences. Science progresses by the constant process of evaluating theoretical propositions with empirical data—regardless of where those data lead us.
I would ask those who are preparing scholarly papers and find results that do not support widely held expectations to follow these papers where the data analysis leads them.
Likewise, I would ask reviewers and journal editors to keep an open mind when it comes to evaluating research manuscripts and to evaluate manuscripts based on their theoretical soundness and methodological sophistication rather than whether they fit a currently hot topic or politically popular perspective.
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Violent Street Crime, Globalization, and Ice Cream
Cite this brief: LaFree, Gary. 'Violent Street Crime, Globalization, and Ice Cream'. Acume. https://www.acume.org/r/violent-street-crime-globalization-and-ice-cream/
Brief created by: Dr Gary LaFree | Year brief made: 2025
Original research:
- Midgette, G., LaFree, G., & Jiang, B., ‘Violent Street Crime, Globalization, and Ice Cream’ 24(2), pp. 189–207 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/piiS26. – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/piiS26
Research brief:
In the realm of criminology and health research, unexpected findings often challenge preconceived notions. A notable example is the research by Andres Korat, which found that among diabetics, consuming half a cup of ice cream daily was linked to a lower risk of heart problems. Despite initial skepticism, repeated analyses confirmed these results, aligning with…
In the realm of criminology and health research, unexpected findings often challenge preconceived notions. A notable example is the research by Andres Korat, which found that among diabetics, consuming half a cup of ice cream daily was linked to a lower risk of heart problems. Despite initial skepticism, repeated analyses confirmed these results, aligning with earlier studies by Mark Pereira and others that suggested ice cream might prevent insulin-resistance syndrome, a precursor to diabetes. However, these findings have been downplayed in favor of promoting low-fat dairy products, highlighting a reluctance to embrace unexpected results. Similar examples can be found in criminology. For example, in research with Greg Midgette on the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore in 2015 we set out to study the effects of police legitimacy on crime rates. Contrary to our expectations, the incident led to increased 911 calls and violent crime rates, particularly in predominantly in poor neighborhoods, challenging assumptions about community-police relations.
In another project, Bo Jiang and I looked into the broader implications of globalization on crime rates. While globalization has been criticized for increasing inequality and poverty, we found that it may actually reduce crime rates by improving living standards and government efficiency. This aligns with historical arguments that trade and commerce can have a civilizing effect, reducing interpersonal violence. The research underscores the need for openness to unexpected findings, as ignoring them can have significant social policy implications. For instance, downplaying the rise in violent crimes following the Freddie Gray case minimizes its impact on economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Similarly, acknowledging the potential benefits of globalization could inform policies that address poverty and inequality while reducing crime.
Findings:
Unexpected findings in research, such as the link between ice cream consumption and reduced diabetes risk, often face skepticism and are downplayed.
Andres Korat’s research found that eating half a cup of ice cream daily was associated with a lower risk of heart problems among diabetics. This finding was consistent with earlier studies by Mark Pereira, which showed ice cream had a significant positive effect on preventing insulin-resistance syndrome, two and a half times the effect of skim milk.
The reluctance to embrace unexpected findings reflects a broader issue in science, where preconceived notions can hinder the acceptance of surprising data.
The death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore led to unexpected increases in 911 calls and violent crime rates, particularly in predominantly Black neighborhoods.
Following Gray’s death, 911 calls for violent crimes increased significantly, with the greatest increases in racially heterogeneous and predominantly Black neighborhoods. Violent crime rates rose by 58% citywide, with no change in predominantly White neighborhoods.
These findings challenge assumptions about community-police relations and highlight the complex dynamics of legitimacy and crime.
Globalization may reduce crime rates by improving living standards and centralizing state power, contrary to common criticisms.
Studies by Bo Jiang and others show that globalization is associated with declines in homicide rates, poverty, and inequality. The analysis of 2145 cases from 78 countries found that as globalization increased, homicide rates declined, especially in poor countries with high inequality.
These findings suggest that globalization could be a key factor in reducing crime rates, challenging the dominant narrative that it exacerbates inequality and poverty.
Advice:
It is fair to raise the objectivity issue as an important one for promoting continued excellence in the social sciences. Science progresses by the constant process of evaluating theoretical propositions with empirical data—regardless of where those data lead us.
- Likewise, I would ask reviewers and journal editors to keep an open mind when it comes to evaluating research manuscripts and to evaluate manuscripts based on their theoretical soundness and methodological sophistication rather than whether they fit a currently hot topic or politically popular perspective.