Black-White Differences in Perceptions of Fear of Crime

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

“…Other fear of crime studies indicated that minorities, especially African-Americans, were more afraid of crime, in part because they were more likely to live in more problematic communities (e.g., Baumer, 1978;Parker, 1988;Skogan, 1995;Warr, 1994). Few studies examined fear of crime among Latinos or Vietnamese.…”

Predictors of Fear of Criminal Victimization at School Among Adolescents

“…Numerous studies have consistently indicated that females, non-whites (particularly African Americans and Hispanics), individuals with lower levels of income and education, and urban residents are more likely to experience fear of crime (Baumer 1985 ;Chiricos, Hogan, and Gertz 1997 ;Ferraro 1995 ;Hale 1996 ;LaGrange and Ferraro 1989 ;LaGrange, Ferraro, and Supancic 1992 ;Parker 1988 ;Parker and Ray 1990 ;Parker et al 1993 ;Thompson, Bankston, and St. Pierre 1989 ;Warr 1984Warr , 1990Will and McGrath 1995). Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that victimization experience and a greater perception of risk of victimization are positively related to fear of crime (Arthur 1992 ;Chiricos et al 1997 ;Ferraro 1995 ;Hale 1996 ;Parker and Ray 1990 ;Thompson et al 1989).…”

“…Given research on adult fear of crime that has argued that fear of crime is heightened when individuals perceive themselves to be more vulnerable and likely to be victimized, it is plausible that adolescents might realistically assess their chances of being victimized by crime as being greater and would subsequently experience higher levels of fear of crime than their adult counterparts (Ferraro 1995 ;Parker 1988).…”

Fear of crime: An assessment of related factors

“…In general, studies have reported higher levels of fear of crime among blacks and/or other racial minorities than among whites (Biderman, Johnson, Mclntyre and Weir 1967;Clemente and Kleiman 1977;Erskine 1974;Feagin 1970;Garofalo 1977;Hindelang 1974;Ortega and Myles 1987;Parker 1988;Skogan and Maxfield 1981;Stafford and Galle 1984). The explanation for racial minorities' higher fear of crime levels does not focus on physical prowess or their suitability as targets.…”