THE EFFECTS OF CRIMINALITY AND CONVICTION ON THE LABOR-MARKET STATUS OF YOUNG BRITISH OFFENDERS

We examine the effects of criminal activity and criminal conviction on the income and job stability of young British offenders. Using longit udinal data on jab market performance, as well as self-reported data o n criminality and official records on conviction, we estimate the sepa rate effects of criminality and conviction. We find that criminality a lone has no effect on job performance, whereas conviction increases ba th job instability and pay. These results confirm results we have obta ined elsewhere showing that conviction increases the income of young o ffenders. We explain the positive effect of conviction on pay by appea l to a human capital explanation of workers' pay.