A recent study that analyzed over 20 years of administrative data found that within two years, marginal misdemeanor defendants who were prosecuted were more likely to be arrested, charged, prosecuted, and convicted of another crime. This is contrary to conventional wisdom that such prosecution should deter criminal involvement. What might explain this finding?

Baby’s First Years (BFY) is the first randomized control trial of the effects of unconditional cash transfers on the development of young children. To understand whether and how increased income allows parents to invest in their children, it is important to understand how parents think about money. Similarly resourced parents, whose money comes from distinct sources (e.g., cash welfare versus wages), may deploy their resources differently. In this study, sociologist Sarah Halpern-Meekin and psychologist Katherine Magnuson aim to better understand parents’ choices.

Co-funded with the JPB Foundation

Co-funded with the JPB Foundation