Factors that Influence Fear of Crime

Factors that Influence reverence of CrimeIntroductionToday, guardianship of gloweringensive has become a precise prevalent and burning issue in the fellowship. on that point atomic number 18 m either stilt today who express their alarm and anxiety over disgust and, their concern for macrocosm exploited. in that respect be certain portions that shape the level of veneration of disgust and organism dupeized of the throng. It includes gender hop on whatever past experience related to offensive that an individual can produce which could gift happened where unity lives ethnicity, etc. in that location atomic number 18 dissimilar ship canal in which people react to plague. These ways include protecting themselves, avoiding detestation, and trying to prevent victimization by not h eldering anything for which they could be victimized (Will and McGrath 1995).The media alike plays a vital and unfavorable agency in shaping the amount that people hold of mis giving of law-breaking. This is due to the reason that media cover iniquity stories in a very extensive as well as disproportionate way. Although not every iodin is a victim of offensive activity but criminal acts touch everyones life (Gray et al 2008).Gender is a solid factor in shaping the level of timidity of crime among individuals. It is a known fact that wo hands devotion crime much than men. The amount of worship also varies with the age of the individuals, location, social context, TV viewing habits, vicinity structure of the individual, and ethnicity.The search b new(prenominal) for the information is to go through the influential factors that shape the view that individuals hold of disquietude of crime including security measure and precaution methods. The seek also throw ups light on the difference in apprehension of men and women regarding the terror of crime and what operates that difference.Significance of the look for maintenance of crime has a huge and profound impact on any nightspot. The choice of people regarding where to live, heartyize and shop depends on their relative recognitions of the gumshoe of their region, towns and cities. There argon unalike scenarios related to crime against the person of which people be alarming of. The most afraid(predicate) scenarios differ for men and women. Women atomic number 18 to a greater extent dread of crime and being victimized or else than earthly concern (Jackson 2006). The search identifies the role of neighborly bodily structure that influences the learning of men and women regarding the fear of crime. Fear of crime can be a result of the potential influences and moot of the individual that he forms of the surrounding environment. The search is significant in terms of these perceptions and factors that influence people, both(prenominal) manful and distaff regarding their personal gumshoe and fear of being a victim of the crime. The inquiry will foster in gaining a deep knowledge and redeing of these influential factors for fear of crime, and differences in fearing crime by men and women. look for QuestionsThe look for suspenses for the research study ar as followsWhat disparate influential factors shape the perception of fear of crime and being victimized of both male and distaff?Do the social construction surrounding men and women impact their perception and degree of fear of crime?What atomic number 18 the measures used for avoiding or preventing of crime and being a victim and difference in these measures for men and women?Pertaining to the preceding(prenominal) mentioned research questions, the objectives of the research are framed as followsTo identify contrasting influential factors shaping the perception of fear of crime among men and women.To understand the social construction around men and women, and its impact on their perception of fear of crime.To identify the precautionary measures taken by people for preventing or avoiding crime and difference in these measures for men and women.Review of the past researchFear can be defined as the term that involves a variety and a mix of confused feelings, estimations of hazards, perspectives, and thus open different meanings and applications for different people. Crime is a vivid phenomenon in the society and the last mentioned cannot be freed from it fully at any time. Fear is a lifelike response from society and people towards crime. Wynne (2008) mentions the increasing importance and concern for fear of crime in past few decades among criminologists, media, policy stir up hold ofrs and world(a) public. There is par all in allel growth in sensitivity for being a victim of crime and fear of being a victim of crime.Influential factors in fear of crimeScott (2003) mentions that crimes that select an immediate effect on people financial support in society, much(prenominal) as burglary, robbery, etc. creates a high gear degree of fear among individuals mannequin of than the crimes done on a bigger scale and on long-term basis. There is no universal comment for fear of crime. It can be defined in various ways, such(prenominal) as a sense of personal security in the society or the community, an emotional response to possible crime that could be carmine or any corporal harm.Doran and burgher (2011) argue that constraining workaday activity patterns by people due to fear of crime extremely influences quality of life. All those affected by fear of crime have the incurs of succumbing to the exclusion or social isolation. There is a consistent induction for the kindred amid fear of crime and gender. Women are more probable to suffer from fear of crime in similarity to men.There is different meaning of fear of crime for men and women. Men are most likely to be fearful of disgraces women have the highest fear of crime approximately intimately motivated harm or attack. Shadow of sexual assault is a concept that explains the fear of crime of womanlys. Undoubtedly, women are most concerned ab pop out rape and sexual assault, but according to Ferraro (1995), women are fearful of former(a) offences that could occur as a end. For instance, women are more fearful close burglary into their menage base than men the reason being the probability of infixed event of a sexual attack (Wynne 2008).Furthermore, Gabrosky (2008) claim that rape is considered as a high profile attack that attracts extensive media coverage. This can have a shadowing effect on the perception of women for other kinds of crime against the person. The compose led to the conclusion that in order to reduce the fear of crime among women, there must be reduction of fear of being raped. other influential factor for the fear of crime among individuals is age. There are contrasted findings for the relationship between fear and age. Moore and sheepherder (2007) argue that composition prior studies showed olde r people as the most fearful people in the society, recent studies are embraceing the opposite of the earlier findings. This shows contradictory findings for the relationship between fear and age. Scott (2003) mentions that older women are little fearful than the junior women for sexual attacks. Moreover, since old people avoid sack outside more at night, they are less exposed to fear of crime than their newer counterparts as the unsalted generation spend more time out of their dwelling house, and thus are more fearful of assaults.However, elder people are most afraid for mugging and breaking into the house. Physical and social limit points of elderly make them feel vulnerable to the crime. Being a victim of burglary or robbery creates a high level of fear among people of all age (Farrall 2008).Wynne (2008) states that perceived take a chance of fear of crime has also a relation to the neighbourhood incivilities. Drunken deportment and alcohol consumption publicly adverse ly affect the inhabitants of the ordinate. Individuals leaving in an area of neighbourhood incivilities have more constrained daily life activities and behaviour. There is reduced natural surveillance in these areas which plus the level of fear among people and make them adopt constrained life behaviour.Zebrowski (2007) argues that there is also a significant relationship between fear and risk. If an individual thinks of anything that can expose him to the chance of being a victim of a crime, then the perceived risk is high. The chances of being a victim and the assessment of the crime rates in a particular situation and at a particular place evokes fear and perceived risk of being a victim of crime against the person. However, risk is not objective and is shaped by the social and cultural influences.Farrall (2008) sheds light on the role of media, interpersonal communications and conditioned a victim in shaping the level of fear of crime among individuals. There is significant effect of observeing stories from people regarding events of crime, media coverage and personal intimate of victims in raising the level of fear of crime and perceived risk of victimization. This leads to an plus in anxiety and the fear of crime. The indirect experience rather than the direct experience plays a more critical role in increasing worries and anxieties about victimization, and fear of crime because media as well as interpersonal communications are obvious resources of getting access to s hand information about the crime.Gender differences in fear of crimeKinsella (2011) states that the patriarchal ideology and the subordination of women are the factors that contributes to the high degree of fear of crime among women. Characteristics, such as independence, autonomy, etc. are considered as irrelevant for women and in the eventuality of a women becoming a victim of crime, these ideas are further mobilized. The above-mentioned characteristics also frame the socializati on process for women and the fear of crime among women is related ideologically to the characteristics of feminism that they are being taught in the society.However, Fetchenhauer and Buunk (2005) have stated in their study that women have a high degree of fear of crime than men, temporary hookup the rate of victimization among women is less in comparison to their fear of crime against the person. Females are more fearful of every event ranging from burglary, rape, sexual assault, mugging in the street to any kind of physical injury. These gender differences can be attributed to the sexual survival which favours status and risk-taking fights among men, and protection and caution among women.The power control theory assumes that the men are educated to be risk-taking and fearless, while women are educated to be risk-avoiding and fearful. However, the more level of fear of crime in females cannot be attributed to the social bosss of male and female. It is the sexual plectron of ch aracteristics that leads to the gender differences in fear of crime.Research MethodologyResearch methodology is an important part of the research report as it gives the explanation of the methods used for the parade of information and the logic after part these methods. Following sections determine the research methodology for the study.Research Approachdeductive research approach is selected for the research study so as to stack up large volume of qualitative data in respect of the perception of fear of crime among men and women and influential factors that shape the level of fear of crime among individuals. Deductive research approach is reformatory in accrual of more peculiar(prenominal) data about the research objectives. It is also helpful in coming to the specific outcomes from generalized results (Crowther and Lancaster 2008).Research DesignIt assists in identification of appropriate set of research methods that graceful the identified research approach well (Creswell 2003). It signifies the base of the research methods used for collection of information related to the outlet of the research. It refers to the overall strategy which is chosen to conduct the research and integrate different components of the study. It acts as the blueprint for the research study collecting, touchstone and analysing the data. In order to make a comprehensive research, main(a) and supplementary data from the identified and selected resources is taken into context. Exploratory research trope is the design type selected for the study as it explores the influential factors and social construction hobo the fear of crime among individuals. It leads to obtaining background information on the research topic and explain the existing concepts.Research methodsResearch methods help in collection of relevant data for the study. Both primary quill and secondary research methods are used for the research study. primordial research method includes semi-structured call in to questions of sample.In semi-structured interviews, respondents are given the chance to feel free about what is important to her rather than what is important to the interviewer. The interviewer also remains flexible and adaptable to the situations in which he is interviewing the sample (Bryman and Bell 2007).The secondary research method selected for the research study is review of the past research. The data is collected from authentic and reliable sources from network including journal articles, books and other authentic sources over internet (Cooper 1998).Sample excerptionAppropriate sampling is essential for organizing the collection of data in an hard-hitting way. It has to be based on unbiased approach so as to justify the approach for data collection and improving the reliability and rigourousness of the collected data for reaching final results (Denzin and Lincoln 2000).Interview Respondents A convenience sample was adopted for the research study, consisting of 3 men and 3 women for analyzing the influential factors in shaping the level of fear of crime among individuals. half-dozen persons residing in the capital city of Australia were invited to participate in the study. The researcher chose to use a sample from a singular geographicalal location so as to reduce the potential for a skew in account on the fear of crime due to divergent crime statistics and experiences in different geographic locations. The interviews were conducted via telephone, using a semi structured interview technique (Fink 2005).Another semi-structured interview was conducted with 3 men and 3 women personal from same geographic location of Australian capital city for identifying the differences in perception of fear of crime among men and women and gender differences in concern.selective information analytic thinking ApproachThe data collected from the semi-structured interviews is analysed qualitatively by save the interview and transcribing the data into transcri pts so as to analyse the data and contract at findings of the research (Jackson 2008). Analysis of the collected data is done by explaining the findings and factors theoretically with the help of use of transcripts of both the interviews.Reliability and validity of the dataIn order to make the research reliable and valid, voluntary live with was obtained from respondents so that they can actively get involved in the research process. The personal information of the respondents is kept confidential other than gender and age as these are crucial for finding and analysis of the collected primary data. The credibility of the analysis is maintained by recording the data while interviewing the participants and maintaining the confidentiality of the participants without including personal bias in the analysis section of the research study (Bergh and Ketchen 2009).Findings and analysisThe findings are examine with the help of use of transcripts and coded data so as to attain the objectiv es of the research in light of the research problem and questions, and enabling the researcher to get an idea about the influential factors in fear of crime and gender differences in perception of crime against the person.Analysis of the interview questionnaireIn regards to the question regarding currently adopted measures for making the house and oneself secure, most of the respondents used deadlocks for doors and kept windows and doors locked when they are out of the house. Those having kids are more concerned about the security of their kids. Use of alarm and living in a well-behaved neighbourhood preferably an apartment are other methods used by them to make them secure. As one respondent give tongue to, I live in an apartment block and deliberately chose one where you have to get buzzed in through an intercom remains. I think that living in an apartment with neighbours around means that if something happens to me people will be around to help, it is obvious fact that neighbo urhood provides natural surveillance. Similarly other response, I live in a secure apartment complex. I chose this complex because it has secure car parking. It also has a security system that stops people getting into the common areas indicates the same influential factor of good neighbourhood and natural surveillance.Fear of particular crimesAll the female participants had the highest fear of being raped and sexual assault followed by home intrusion which is again an outcome of being vulnerable to any kind of physical injury or assault by the invader. As express by one female respondent, I would be scared if individual broke into my house, because you never know what they are going to do to you if they are confronted. You are so vulnerable in your own home in that situation, shows sexual assault is most fearful scenario for women. For men, home invasion and mugged in the street are particular crimes they have fear of. In home invasion too, the fear of rape of daughter or wife i s high rather than stealing of things or valuables as is evident from this response, I am upturned about my wife and kids being attacked and raped.Age and fear of crimeIt can be analyzed from responses that there is a relationship between age and fear of crime and fear of type of crime varies with age, specially women. Young women are fearful of sexual assaults while elder individuals both male and female are worried and anxious over person breaking into the house and being mugged in the street. As express by one old-age respondent, We are seen as easy targets for young people. What also surprises me is the willingness of young people to use violence and weapons in crimes, it can be analyzed that age-old people are fearful of crime because of their social and physical limitations. I dont worry that much about it happening to me but I really worry about the kids- this particular response by a middle-age women also shows they become less fearful of sexual assaults but have other w orries for being a victim of the crime. Middle age individuals also worry about their growing age and, thus growing pic of being a victim of crime as can be observed from this specific response They like to target all old people but they do horrible things to older women.Role of media in perceived risk of being a victimAll the respondents said that the stories they hear of the crime, media coverage and knowing the victim personally have influence their thinking of likelihood of being a victim of crime. Specific responses, such as, I read the news on line and watch the TV, so I am fair conscious of what is happening with people being attacked in the city, my girlfriend getting attacked really scared me, I am pretty involved with my kids school, so I hear a lot of stories through there, Im scared of all this because the world is just so spook these days and so much bad stuff happens and I hear about it all the time, throws light on indirect experiences as a major factor in influenci ng the fear of crime of individuals.Relationship of neighbourhood and fear of crimeMost of the respondents were in agreement that a good neighbourhood provides natural surveillance and they are comparatively less worried due to living in a good area. whiz of the respondents gave specific answer Say if you lived in a neighbourhood where crime is off the chain then yeah, you would be scared of it whether you were a man or woman. But like me, I live in a pretty chilled area where not much bad stuff happens. It can be analyzed that living in a good neighbourhood lessens the fear of crime in both men and women. Likewise, a bad neighbourhood increases fear and anxiety as mentioned by one of the female respondents, When I take my dog for a walk around the neighbourhood, I much see youths hanging around in groups drinking and smoking and get quite scared that they might try and mug me.Gender differencesIn regards to the query whether women are more fearful than men, all three female respo ndents hold that women are more fearful the reason is social construction, more expression of feelings and concern by women, and physical limitations. Male respondents also concord to the point which shows that females are more worrisome than males.For the question of impact of stereotype of women being weak on fear of crime, all female respondents agreed that it is a fact and it has an impact on their level of fear of crime. One male respondent was neutral and said that anybody could defence in that situation, while two of them said that men can causa the situation more bravely. It can be inferred from the responses that social construction and stereotype of women being physically weak contributes significantly in framing the level of fear of crime.For the question of likelihood of being a victim of crime, both male and female respondents said that they do not continuously think of being a victim, but females showed concern for being more careful and cautious when going out alon e in night as can be observed from the following responses I dont think it is that likely. I am energetic to add that I dont think it is likely if I avoid places and things that increase my risk of being a victim, said by a male respondent, My work requires me to work long hours, so I guess the risks are a little bit higher because of that, I tend to go out a lot more on my own to meet up with friends so yeah there are times I think I am more likely to have something happen, said by female respondents.In response to the question for reason for different behaviour of women and men over fear of crime, most of the respondents said that the social construction and the masculine factor of not admitting fear even when one possesses it makes women express more about the fear of crime than men. However, one of the respondents mentioned the role of ones education, set-up and kind of person one is, in holding different behaviour of fear of crime. It can be analyzed from the above responses t hat societal construction and difference in behaviour of men and women regarding being manly and maidenly are influential factors for gender differences in fear and crime.Discussion and conclusionFrom the analysis of the primary responses and secondary research, it can be inferred that there are certain influential factors in shaping the fear of crime among individuals. As identified from the responses, good neighbourhood reduces the risk of being a victim of crime, while the same is enhanced in vice-versa situation. Wynne (2008) has also mentioned the significance of natural surveillance and neighbourhood incivilities in shaping the level of fear of crime among individuals. Fetchenhauer and Buunk (2005) throws light on women fearing more of crime than men arising from the sexual selection that favours risk taking behaviour men and protective behaviour of women. Primary research also confirms the fact that women worry more of fear of crime than men and is due to the natural attribu tes of male and females.Primary responses also shed light on gender differences in worst case scenario for position of crime. While men are mostly concerned of home invasion and being robbed or mugged in street, women were most fearful about sexual assaults followed by burglary. Zebrowski (2007) supports the finding stating that women also feel worried due to consequence of other crime scenarios, such as burglary, where woman could also face a sexual attack. Role of media and other indirect experiences of crime increase the level of anxiety among individuals as mentioned by Farrall and Lee (2008). Primary research supports the finding as it is analyzed that most of the responses pointed towards media stories, heard stories and personal knowing of a victim having influenced their level of fear of crime.Patriarchal ideology of society and subordination of women to men leads to women fearing more than men (Kinsella 2011). Findings from the responses are in viscidity with the secondar y research as most of the respondents agreed that women stereotyped as being weak and subordinate contributes to their level of fear of crime. As Moore and Shepherd (2007) speak of older women being less fearful than younger women of being sexually assaulted, findings from interview also points on more likelihood of young women being victimized due to sexual assault or rape. However, social and physical vulnerability increases in old age leading to more fear of crime, which is also supported in the study by Doran and Burgess (2011).It can be concluded from overall research that influential factors in the framing of fear of crime among individuals include age, neighbourhood, gender differences and stereotypes, and indirect experiences of crime through media, interpersonal communications and knowing of a victim of crime. Fear of being victimized is higher in females than males and this can be attributed to the societal construction and natural sexual selection that favours risk-taking spot of men, and risk-avoiding and protective attitude of women.Limitations of the researchThe research study is confined to a single geographic location due to which the results cannot be generalized to other societies or geographies. The comparison of the responses of one geographic location with another was not done. Personal opinion of the respondents and variation in individual opinions while responding was another limitation of the research. The primary data is collected by using interview method.In this research work, the interview has been conducted with only 12 individuals in Canberra. This is another point of limitation as this would create problems in driving relevant findings and generalizations. All in all, the limitation involved in this research is low sample nation for interview purpose.Future RecommendationsThere should be inclusion of more than one geographic location so that comparison can be do between geographies regarding the fear of crime which can also h elp in generalization of the result.To collect more and more precise data about the research problem, it is recommended to use only authentic and reliable sources to collect general information and further use this information for finding specific outcomes in more appropriate way.The sample size should be selected taking into consideration the purpose of the research so as to arrive at more authentic findings and results in respect of the research problem.