An Investigation For The Factors Affecting Fear Of Terrorism In Turkey

• In Event: Fear and Politics

Abstract

Drawing upon empirical research on fear of crime and fear of terrorism in Turkey and other countries, this study examines the factors affecting fear of terrorism among Turkish citizens.
The data sampling process was carried out by using a two stage stratified cluster sampling method. In the first stage, 60 neighborhoods were randomly selected from 739 neighborhoods in the city center. In the second stage, 1874 households were randomly selected from those 60 neigborhoods. The data have been collected through face to face interviews by using a structured questionnaire.
The purpose of the present study is to investigate the determinants of fear of terrorism among Turkish citizens. Results from a representative sample of 1874 randomly selected participants from 60 neighborhoods in Istanbul indicate that amount of personal exposure to media coverage of terrorist attacks plays a crucial role in shaping fear of crime among Turkish citizens. Individuals reported more media exposure also reported more fear of terrorism. This result is consistent with extant literature regarding the role of media exposure on fear of crime in general and fear of terrorism more specifically.

Author

• Ali Erkan Alac, Usak University