discussion

In this week's readings, we're presented with the possibilities that not all hate groups engage in violence, and that perpetrating hate crimes may be more of an economic reaction (e.g., the loss of jobs) than simply being the member of a hate group. 

Let's run with that second proposition for this week's discussion. While Ryan and Leeson note that the effects of economic variables are inconsistent in their models. There is one model that shows that unemployment levels have an effect on hate crimes. This is known as the frustration-aggregation thesis. 

Could we lower hate crimes significantly if we just put everyone to work? Of course, other factors are at play, and feel free to discuss those. But if no one ever had to worry about finding a job, would that have an effect on lowering hate crimes?