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Fear of Gang Crime: A Look at Three Theoretical Models

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2024

Jodi Lane  and
James W. Meeker
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Abstract

Gang crime and resulting public fear became a major policy focus during the 1990s, yet few studies specifically focus on fear of gang crime. Guided by social disorganization theory, we test three theoretical models about the individual thought processes leading to fear of gang crime. Using structural equation models, we find that each of these three theories—diversity, disorder, and community concern—is an important predictor of gang-related fear. In addition, we find that the indirect relationships between demographic characteristics, theoretical variables, and fear depend upon which model is tested.

Type
Of General Interest
Information
Law & Society Review , Volume 37 , Issue 2 , June 2003 , pp. 425 - 456
Copyright
© 2003 Law and Society Association.

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