NCJ Number
100488
Date Published
1983
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This study examines the influence of residents' perceptions of neighborhood social diversity on their fear of crime in urban neighborhoods.
Abstract
A random sample of 1,973 households was selected from a computerized list of all city addresses from the 1978 census of Edmonton, Alberta (Canada). A 76 percent response rate yielded a final sample of 1,439 respondent households. The dependent variable, fear of crime, was measured by asking respondents whether they felt safe walking alone in their neighborhoods at night. Independent variables encompassed respondent demographic data and respondents' perceptions of neighborhood social and physical diversity and the desirability of such diversity. Means and standard deviations for all the variables were analyzed by age group. For the 18-34 age group, the diversity variable most influencing fear of crime was occupational mix; for the 35-44 age group, perceived difference in housing type. For the 45-64 age group, location and perceptions of occupation similarity were the most important. For those over age 65, income diversity was the most important variable in predicting fear of crime. 32 references and tabular data.