Combining classificatory and discursive methods: Consistency and variability in responses to the threat of crime

Abstract

This paper explores the implications for social psychology of an integration of classificatory and discursive methodologies through quantitative and qualitative analysis of responses to questions about the threat of violent crime. A total of 133 adults completed a set of standard questions followed by open-ended prompts enabling elaboration on their responses. Cluster analysis of a set of fear of crime measures distinguished four groups of respondents. Interview transcripts were analysed to identify discourses around crime deployed within each cluster in order to justify risk/anxiety judgments. Four participant positions emerge: the well-protected position, the vigilant position, the tactical risk manager and the besieged position. Further analysis of inconsistency and variability within interviews reveals the interactional discursive processes involved in the construction of criminal threat. Despite the diversity of participant positions available in constructing criminal threat and managing anxiety, discourses revolve centrally around issues of agency and uncontrollability.

Does the Fear of Crime Erode Public Confidence in Policing?

“…This same decline creates a lack of comfort and trust in one's environment, which can then bring forth anxieties about victimisation (cf. Tulloch, 2003;Walklate, 1998).…”

Social Insecurities and Fear of Crime: A Cross-National Study on the Impact of Welfare State Policies on Crime-related Anxieties

“…Within the framework of social learning theory Rotter developed this concept which denominates generalized expectations of an individual with regard to its ability to influence situations and events in his life by own behavior (internal control) or not (external control). People with an internal locus of control have a stronger belief in their ability to influence events, feel less helpless, more independent and are as a result less fearful than people with an external locus of control (for a discussion of the role of perceived control in fear of crime, see Killias, 1990;Tulloch, 2003;Jackson, in press).…”

Insecurities about crime in Germany, Austria and Switzerland: A review of research findings

“…Future studies might explore the utility of expanding risk perception to include not just perceived likelihood, but also perceived control and consequence (Warr, 1987;Tulloch, 2003;Jackson, 2005Jackson, , 2009. One of the first steps in this direction began in Switzerland.…”