Title

Revisiting broken windows theory: A test of the mediation impact of social mechanisms on the disorder-fear relationship

Authors

Authors

J. M. Gau; N. Corsaro;R. K. Brunson

Comments

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Abbreviated Journal Title

J. Crim. Justice

Keywords

DISORGANIZATION THEORY; COLLECTIVE EFFICACY; URBAN NEIGHBORHOODS; MULTILEVEL ANALYSIS; POLICE LEGITIMACY; PERCEIVED RISK; ROBBERY RATES; CRIME; PERCEPTIONS; VICTIMIZATION; Criminology & Penology

Abstract

Purpose: Broken windows theory predicts that disorder signals a lack of neighborhood control, sparks fear of crime, and sets off a chain reaction ultimately resulting in crime. Support has been found for the disorder-fear link, but the present study argues that this link is actually intended to be indirect perceived loss of control is what should cause fear. Methods: Hierarchical linear models and structural equation models test four hypotheses regarding whether social cohesion and expectations for social control mediate the disorder-fear relationship. Results: Results support partial mediation. Conclusion: Results suggest confirmation of a portion of broken windows theory, in that disorder may inspire fear partially as a result of its detrimental impact on neighborhood cohesion and shared expectations for social control. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Journal Title

Journal of Criminal Justice

Volume

42

Issue/Number

6

Publication Date

1-1-2014

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

579

Last Page

588

WOS Identifier

WOS:000345540600017

ISSN

0047-2352

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