Social Disorganization Perceptions, Fear of Gang Crime, and Behavioral Precautions Among Whites, Latinos, and Vietnamese

• NCJ Number: 204112
• Journal: Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 32 Issue: 1 Dated: January/February 2004 Pages: 49-62
• Author(s): Jodi Lane; James W. Meeker
• Date Published: January 2004
• Length: 14 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article examines differences among Whites, Latinos, and Vietnamese in perceptions of community disorder and diversity, perceived risk and fear of gang crime, and resulting behavioral precautions.

Abstract

Social disorganization theory proposes that urban areas that have more poverty also tend to have high residential mobility and racial and ethnic diversity, and therefore, experience more crime. Socially disorganized areas face the most gang problems. It is expected that both Latinos and Vietnamese are more likely to be afraid of gangs than Whites; and that people that are afraid of gangs take behavioral precautions to avoid victimization by gang members and to feel safer. During the period of September 3-28, 1997, a Random Digit Dial (RDD) survey of 1,000 Orange County (California) residents was conducted. The survey used a random sample of an additional 100 Latinos and 100 Vietnamese, which was gathered from a list of surnames, to allow disaggregated analyses across ethnic groups. The results indicated that Vietnamese were the most worried about community disorder and diversity, felt most at risk of gang-related victimization, and were most afraid of gang crimes. They were also more likely than the other two groups to have bought or secured a gun to avoid gang-related victimization, although most had not done so. Latinos were significantly more worried about most disorder and diversity problems and felt more at risk and more afraid than Whites did of all crimes. Although both minority groups were significantly more likely than Whites to have avoided some areas of their own communities, there were no differences among the groups with regard to carrying a weapon, going out with someone else to avoid being alone, and avoiding certain areas of the county. Both Latinos and Vietnamese were more likely than Whites to live in areas with more social disorganization, so their stronger concern about community problems made sense. The results indicate that when limited resources are available to address fear of gang crime, it might be better to target minority communities. 2 tables, 10 notes, 94 references