Victim perceptions of Social Cohesion and Informal Social Control in Rural Communities

• In Event: Communities, Risk, and Victimization

Abstract

Prior research on social cohesion and informal social control often suggest they act as a protective agent against crime. While the research on the impact of social cohesion and informal social control are vast, much less is known about what informs perceptions of social cohesion and informal social control. This is problematic in that perceptions of these concepts likely influence behavior, and more specifically, community involvement and engagement – a key component to building social cohesion and control. The present study attempts to gauge how victimization experiences impact perceptions of social cohesion and informal social control. Arguably, if victims report lower levels of social cohesion and informal social control, this can have a negative impact on the community, and potentially even amplify the consequences of victimization and possibly place the victim at higher risk for recurring victimization. Here we use data from the Victimization and Perceptions of Crime and Justice in Small Towns and Rural Areas (BJA 2008-DD-BX-0625). We use hierarchical linear models to test for the direct impact of victimization on perceptions of social cohesion and informal social control as well as account for individual and community level factors which may influence this relationship.

Authors

• Jordan N. Galehan, Southern Illinois University

• Julie Hibdon, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

• Joseph Schafer, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

• Nicholas Corsaro, University of Cincinnati