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Fear of Criminal Victimization on a College Campus: A Visual and Survey Analysis of Location and Demographic Factors

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Abstract

On a college campus, fear of crime may be driven by the physical characteristics of a specific location, as well as the demographics and the past experiences of respondents. Demographic and personal factors such as gender, residency, race, age, and class status can play a role in expressed fear as respondents intuitively assess the spaces for prospect, refuge, and escape. Photographs of various campus locations were used to present sample of students from a public university with various physical locations on campus. A survey was utilized as students assessed their reaction to each location in relation to fear of crime. Results were mixed in terms of personal characteristics. For example, males living on campus and full-time students were found to be less fearful than males living off campus and part-time students. Involvements in campus activities reduced fear for women, but increased it for men. The most fear producing location on campus was an enclosed walkway with almost no chance for escape, confirming that prospect, refuge, and escape are strong influences on fear (Nasar and Fisher, Sociology and Social Research, 76, 48–58, 1992).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA

    Nancy M. Steinmetz & D. Mark Austin

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  1. Nancy M. Steinmetz
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  2. D. Mark Austin
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Correspondence to D. Mark Austin.

Appendix

Appendix

Survey Photos

Photo # 1: Parking Garage

figure a

Photo # 2: Behind Art Museum

figure b

Photo # 3: Residence Hall #1

figure c

Photo # 4: Walkway Tunnel

figure d

Photo # 5: Museum Walkway

figure e

Photo # 6: Residence Hall #2

figure f

Photo # 7: Library

figure g

Photo # 8: Football Stadium Lot

figure h

Photo # 9: Apartments

figure i

Photo # 10: Student Activity Center

figure j

Photo # 11: Author’s Backyard

figure k

Photo # 12: On Campus Pizza Parking Lot

figure l

Photo # 13: Tower Apartments

figure m

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Steinmetz, N.M., Austin, D.M. Fear of Criminal Victimization on a College Campus: A Visual and Survey Analysis of Location and Demographic Factors. Am J Crim Just 39, 511–537 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-013-9227-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-013-9227-1

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