Fear, Crime, Community Organization, and Limitations on Daily Routines

Abstract

Fear, crime, and self-imposed, isolating restrictions on activities lower the quality of urban life. The impact of community characteristics upon such restrictions has received minimal attention, although the community has long held a place in theories addressing the origin and prevention of crime. This study explores the effects of both formal and informal community organization on such behavior, mediated by fear of crime and victimization. Findings suggest that existing models explaining precautionary measures might be refined. Individual characteristics and fear of crime retain a secure place. Victimization might be reconsidered as an indirect contributor operating largely through fear of crime. The impact of formal community organization may be reflected in the differential responses of American and West Indian Blacks, indicating that this factor might be added to the model, though its place is uncertain.

Social disorganization perceptions, fear of gang crime, and behavioral precautions among Whites, Latinos, and Vietnamese

“…People who are afraid of gangs may take behavioral precautions to avoid victimization by gang members and to feel safer (e.g., Gates & Rohe, 1987;Kail & Kleinman, 1985;Lavrakas, 1982;Skogan & Maxfield, 1981). 1 Gates and Rohe (1987) noted that such precautions could be categorized as avoidance, protective, or collective behaviors.…”

Does the Mexican War on Organized Crime Mediate the Impact of Fear of Crime on Daily Routines?

“…It is rare in the social sciences to find fundamental relationships understudied. For long it has been said that fear of crime impacts quality of life by limiting our daily routines (Kail & Kleinman, 1985). Yet, in spite of its fundamental importance, this relationship has not received much attention in criminology.…”

“…Rountree and Land (1996) have argued that individuals base their choice of activities on their risk perceptions and fear of criminal victimization. The preceding contributions have found that the experience of direct victimization is associated with higher levels of perceived crime risk (Kail & Kleinman, 1985;Kelly & DeKeseredy, 1994;Mesch, 2000).…”

“…1 Feelings of irritation and frustration with the current WOC are logical as 38.7% of households nationwide feel unsafe in their neighborhood, 75.3% perceive risk of criminal victimization, and 54.4% have stopped going out in the night due to risk of victimization. 2 To date, very few studies have studied the impact of fear of crime and perceived risk of victimization on the daily routines (Kail & Kleinman, 1985;Kelly & DeKeseredy, 1994;Mesch, 2000). Building on the fear of crime and perceived risk of victimization literature in general, this study analyses the relationship of fear of crime and perceived risk of victimization with daily routines.…”

“…To date, very few studies have studied the impact of fear of crime and perceived risk of victimization on the daily routines (Kail & Kleinman, 1985; Kelly & DeKeseredy, 1994; Mesch, 2000). Building on the fear of crime and perceived risk of victimization literature in general, this study analyses the relationship of fear of crime and perceived risk of victimization with daily routines.…”