NCJ Number
172176
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 21 Issue: 2 Dated: special issue (Fall 1997) Pages: 317-329
Date Published
1997
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study attempts to explain the fear of crime among Korean women.
Abstract
Because of the complexity of concept and measurement of fear, this study was designed to measure specific or concrete fear and general or formless fear. Data were obtained from a self-administered survey of 528 women living in the city of Seoul, Korea. Specific fear appeared to be most influenced by the women's knowledge of the occurrence of crime, followed by community environment and their perceptions about the incidence of crime. General fear of crime seemed to be explained only by their perceptions about the incidence of crime at the significance level of p<.05. Fear of crime among Korean women may result from the combined effect of their perceptions of crime formed mainly by their knowledge of crime based on indirect sources such as crime news and by their perception of neighborhood insecurity. In addition, the objective risks that women face in their everyday life may make them more fearful than men. This may be because women are more discriminated against and receive inferior treatment and keep their constant concern with rape where sexual virginity is so highly valued. Tables, notes, references