Fear, Social Interactions, and Violence Mitigation. (15th April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Melde, Chris; Berg, Mark T.; Esbensen, Finn-Aage
• Is Part Of: Justice quarterly. Volume 33:Number 3(2016)
• Page Start: 481
• Page End: 509
• Publication Date: 2016-04-15
• Subjects: fear of crime -- violence -- criminological theory -- victimization; Criminal justice, Administration of -- Periodicals; Criminal justice, Administration of -- United States -- Periodicals; 340.11405
• DOI: 10.1080/07418825.2014.928348
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0741-8825

Abstract

Abstract : The fear of crime is generally considered as a social ill that undermines dimensions of individual well-being. Prior research generally specifies the fear of crime as an outcome variable in order to understand its complex etiology. More recently, however, researchers have suggested fear has a deterrence function whereby it reduces individuals' involvement in violent encounters. This notion could hold important clues to understand the social sources of violence. We examine whether the fear of crime inhibits involvement in violent encounters, both as offender or victim, and if adjustments in routine activities explain these effects. The results suggest fear of crime reduces violence involvement, in part, by constraining routine activities. We conclude that the fear of crime appears to be a mechanism of violence mitigation that, paradoxically, bolsters physical well-being. The results are discussed with regard to their implications for criminological theory and research on interpersonal violence.