From Playground to Crime Reduction: The Role of Sports and Economic Development in Violent Crimes

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

2 PhD in Sports Sciences, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

10.22034/jsmk.2026.69503.1202

Abstract

Violent crimes are a significant social and economic challenge, particularly in rapidly growing urban societies, where they have numerous negative impacts on social order and economic development. In this context, various studies have shown that several factors, such as sports participation and the level of economic development, can play a crucial role in reducing or increasing these crimes. This paper, therefore, examines the impact of sports participation and economic growth on the rate of violent crimes in the provinces of Iran. The primary objective of this research is to identify the interactive effects of these two factors in either reducing or increasing crimes across different provinces, each with distinct economic and social characteristics. The data for this study are panel data, including information from 28 provinces of Iran over a 14-year period, from 2010 to 2023. The econometric method used for the analysis is Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), conducted with the help of the EViews software. The results indicate that increased sports participation at the provincial level has a significant negative correlation with the rate of violent crimes. Additionally, economic development independently leads to an increase in crime rates; however, the interactive effect of per capita GDP and sports participation in more developed provinces significantly reduces violent crimes. These findings emphasize the importance of balanced economic and sports policies in reducing violent crimes.Accordingly, strengthening sports infrastructure and directing economic growth toward reducing inequality can serve as an effective strategy for controlling violent crimes across the provinces.

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References

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Journal of Sport Management Knowledge
Volume 3, Issue 2 - Serial Number 6
March 2026
Pages 101-115

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History

  • Receive Date: 04 October 2025
  • Revise Date: 28 November 2025
  • Accept Date: 02 January 2026

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