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Fear of crime in Zagreb, Croatia : gender differences in the face of incivilities and prior victimizationIrma Kovčo Vukadin,
Tajana Ljubin, 2012, original scientific article
Abstract: Purpose:
This study examines the three-dimensional concept of fear of crime and has three aims: 1) to investigate gender differences in the emotional, cognitive and behavioural dimensions of fear of crime; 2) to investigate the impact of victimization on different dimensions of fear of crime in men and women; and 3) to investigate the relation of incivilities to different dimensions of fear of crime.
Design/Methods/Approach:
Data for the study were gathered from the Fear of Crime Study which included participants living in the Croatian capital. The criteria variables included measures of the three dimensions of fear of crime (affective, cognitive and behavioural). Incivilities and prior victimization were predictors, while age and education were control variables.
Findings:
There was no difference between men and women in the perception of insecurity when walking alone in a neighbourhood after dark, either in the perceived likelihood of victimization or in perceived incivility. The findings suggest that there are some differences in the correlation pattern of the three analysed dimensions of fear of crime in the female and male samples. Hierarchical linear regressions show that in the male sample, victimization due to theft was positively related and sexual victimization was negatively related to perceived insecurity, while in women victimization added significantly only to protective strategies. In both the male and female sample, incivilities made a significant independent contribution to an explanation of the perception of endangerment, the likelihood of victimization and the seriousness of crime consequences. In addition, the contribution of some different patterns of incivilities to the dimensions of fear of crime was established for the male and female sample.
Research Limitations/Implications:
The research is limited to the Croatian capital. Future research should include a representative sample of the whole state.
Practical implications:
The results indicate the need for gender differentiation in programs for the greater safety of citizens.
Originality/Value:
The article gives a valuable insight into different dimensions and gender differences related to fear of crime. It also suggests the need for further clarity of operationalization.
Keywords: fear of crime, incivilities, prior victimization, gender differences, Zagreb, Croatia
Published in DKUM: 10.07.2015; Views: 1330; Downloads: 68
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