NCJ Number
86519
Date Published
1981
Length
190 pages
Annotation
This study proposes a model for examining the effects upon crime rates of four community structural indicators.
Abstract
The model developed is based upon the theoretical and empirical work of Paul Eberts. Eberts (1972, 1976, 1977), primarily using concepts derived from the broader concepts of general systems theory, created a theoretical model to examine macro-community structure and its effects upon personal and social well-being. The flow of information and its impact on community structures are key points of the Eberts model. Eberts identifies four structural throughput variables: (1) linkage (structural patterns of communication channels between communities for information and resource exchange), (2) fluidity (organizational and physical facilities which encourage the flow of information and resources from one institution to another), (3) equality (equal access of community members to the allocation of various resources), and (4) differentiation (types and levels of organizational and physical facilities which provide services for various population segments). These four concepts are posited as capturing the structural nature of community social systems through which resources and information are processed into system outputs. The effects of structural-level variables on personal and property crime rates were examined through the use of path analysis with four primary models and four reduced models. Different indicators were found to predict personal crime and property crime. In the theoretical model of personal crime, the political fluidity measures contributed the most to the explanation of the variation in personal crime rates. The communication scale and differentiation were found to be the best predictors of variations in property crime rates. Findings are interpreted in relation to a literature review, and implications of the findings are explored. Tabular data and about 140 references are provided.