Public Parks and the Geography of Fear

Abstract

This article investigates the geography of fear surrounding the use of public parks in Leicester city, Britain. Fear was a major deterrent limiting the use of parks, especially for women, the elderly and Asian and African‐Caribbean people. Certain fears were particularly important for specific groups: women were particularly fearful of sexual attack, the elderly of mugging and Asian and African‐Caribbean people of racial attack. Women and African‐Caribbean people were most liable to alter their behaviour as a result of their fears. The spatial outcomes of fear thus both reflect and reinforce social injustice based on gender and race inequality. As parks are becoming important foci of new environmental strategies for cities it is essential that local government is aware of the spatial consequences of the socially differentiated geography of fear, if all members of the community are to be encouraged to increase their participation in public parks.

Perceived personal safety in relation to urban woodland vegetation – A review

“…Women may pay more attention to elements in the physical environment, while men's fear is more constant and less environment-related (Bronlow, 2005, p. 589), but still makes them 154 avoid places where they do not feel in control (Day et al, 2003). Koskela (1999) Differences between social and ethnic groups may also be important for the perception of 159 personal safety (Madge, 1997;Pain, 2001). Madge (1997) found that ethnic minorities in a UK 160 study felt more unsafe than others, and that their concerns included fear of dogs and racially 161 motivated attacks.…”

“…Koskela (1999) Differences between social and ethnic groups may also be important for the perception of 159 personal safety (Madge, 1997;Pain, 2001). Madge (1997) found that ethnic minorities in a UK 160 study felt more unsafe than others, and that their concerns included fear of dogs and racially 161 motivated attacks. Pain (1997) Age has often been connected to perceived personal safety and avoidance of places outdoors, but 167 the relationship is complex.…”

“…Older women in particular have been described as afraid, but also 168 older men (Beaulieu et al, 2007). A British study showed that fear limits park use by the elderly 169 more than for young people (Madge, 1997). However, Jorgensen and Anthopoulou (2007) found 170 that older people felt no more unsafe than younger among park users in Sheffield, although the 171 elderly described themselves as more vulnerable were they to be attacked.…”

“…Social constructions such as the image and 201 reputation of an area can also be of major importance, related to the physical environment 202 (Koskela & Pain, 2000;Kullberg, 2010). Several studies add to the picture of certain green spaces being perceived as unsafe, particularly 206 after dark (Burgess et al, 1988;Valentine, 1989;Madge, 1997;Koskela & Pain, 2000). In the The landscape design 213 The overall landscape design appears to be important concerning vegetation in a spatial context.…”

Transforming Spaces: A Framework for the Identification and Analysis of Adolescents’ No-Go Areas in Vienna

“…Results of various international studies point out, that particularly public space can have strong negative connotations caused by various factors. Bullying and gangs of other adolescents are the most cited aspects in these studies, next to fear of sexual harassment or abuse, and perceived insecurities due to descended neighbourhoods, homeless or drunk/drug addicts (JOHANSSON et al 2012, MADGE 1997, PERCY-SMITH & MATTHEWS 2001, WOOLLEY et al 1999. Negative connotations also often exist for districts with a high percentage of immigrant residents (HÖGLHAMMER 2013).…”