Informal Control in the Urban Residential Environment - Final Report

• NCJ Number: 79204
• Author(s): R B Taylor; S N Brower; S D Gottfredson
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 348 pages
• Grant Number(s): 78-NI-AX-0134
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ); US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study uses defensible space theory, social network theory, and human territoriality theory to investigate block-level and individual-level determinants of crime, fear, and social problems in the urban residential environment.

Abstract

A revised defensible space model predicts that crime, fear, and social problems are lower in locations where defensible space features are more extensive, local social networks are stronger, and residents are more territorial. The hypotheses were tested using surveys, physical assessments, projective tests, police information, and behavioral observations. Study data were collected between June 1979 and August 1980 in a stratified sample of 12 neighborhoods in Baltimore City. Regression and path analysis confirm the hypothesized model. Analysis suggests that defensible space features in the form of real and symbolic barriers dampen crime, fear, and social problems directly while indirectly influencing these outcomes by strengthening territorial functioning. Results of projective tests confirm that residents expect defensible space features to exhibit the influence hypothesized by the model. Behavioral observation data and projective test data indicate that residents view coresidents more positively in low-crime than in high-crime neighborhoods. According to findings, strong networks at the block level are an unqualified good. The two relevant social components at the block level are belonging to an organization with coresidents and being acquainted with a greater proportion of people on the block. Policy implications of these findings are that planners can assess an environment to establish resource needs and risk levels, that barriers may serve as a focus for community or block rehabilitation, and that urban reconstruction must devote attention to allocation of outdoor space. Furthermore, community development can be a successful approach to crime prevention, and information from neighborhood leaders can be used to predict troublesome blocks. Residents should be encouraged to exercise jurisdiction over near-home spaces such as sidewalks and alleys. Finally, crime prevention programs should be tailored to the level of threat experienced by residents, and programs focusing specifically on fear reduction should be developed in addition to those directed at prevention. Diagrams, tables, graphs, footnotes, and a bibliography of about 140 references are supplied. (Author abstract modified)