Fear of Crime and Social Networks: A Community Study of Two Local Public Housing Complexes
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Date
2003-04-17
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Abstract
This dissertation is an exploration of fear of crime and the impact of social networks on fear among residents of two local public housing complexes. Fear of crime is operationalized as perceived risk of victimization in which interviewees assessed their likelihood of victimization. Several theories of fear will be tested including direct victimization theory, physical vulnerability theory, incivilities theory, social vulnerability theory, and a social network theory. In addition, an exploratory study of the differences among the two complexes is conducted.
The two public housing complexes studied here are similar in sociological characteristics such as demographic composition and size, but differ in management, tenure limitations, and perceptions of incivilities. Support is found for direct victimization theory and the empowerment effect of networks. No support for incivilities theory, physical vulnerability theory, or social vulnerability theory was found. Policy implications point toward increasing community cohesion.
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Keywords
differences in slopes, matthew effects, social network model, empowerment, contextual effects, social vulnerabilty, physical vulnerability, indirect victimization, direct victimization, theories of fear, social networks, fear of crime
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Degree
PhD
Discipline
Sociology
