Furthering the Integration of Routine Activity and Social Disorganization Theories: Small Units of Analysis and the Study of Street Robbery as a Diffusion Process

• NCJ Number: 183212
• Journal: Criminology Volume: 38 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2000 Pages: 489-523
• Author(s): William R. Smith; Sharon Glave Frazee; Elizabeth L. Davison
• Date Published: May 2000
• Length: 35 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This research examines small units of analysis, specifically both sides of a city block between two intersections, in a study of street robbery within a medium-sized southeastern U.S. city.

Abstract

Attempts to integrate the two predominant spatial theories of crime, social disorganization and routine activity theories, may benefit from examining empirical relationships at units of analysis smaller than the relatively large units characteristic of most ecological research (cities, SMSAs, census tracts, multiple city blocks). This study analyzed face blocks (both sides of a city block between two intersections) as part of an examination of street robbery. Models of street robbery and street-robbery “potenial” suggested a crime diffusion process. There were several interaction effects between variables of social disorganization and routine activity theory which may form the basis in future research for successful theoretical integration. Findings strongly support the theory that distance from downtown is a key variable in the prediction of street robberies. They also support a social control interpretation of social disorganization theory. Where family structures are weaker, street robberies are more likely, especially in the context of mixed land uses. Notes, tables, references, appendix