Quantitative criminology research published in Sweden in the 1990s is
reviewed and put in the context of major Swedish traditions in quantit
ative criminological research. Sweden has a strong tradition in sophis
ticated longitudinal and ecological research which continues into the
1990s. Other traditionally prominent areas of Swedish quantitative res
earch include studies of crime trends, violence, and youth criminality
. Traditionally Swedish quantitative criminology has been dominated by
studies using official statistics and criminal records as data. In th
e 1990s there has been a significant upswing in survey studies, motiva
ted partly by an increased interest in questions of etiology and crime
prevention. More fundamental research on the causes of crime, includi
ng new longitudinal studies, and more evaluations of crime prevention
initiatives are needed.