A Mutlilevel Study of Neighborhood Intelligence and Violence

• In Event: Spatial and Multilevel Perspectives

Abstract

Building on a prominent theory of neighborhood violence, we tested a novel hypothesis that neighborhood intelligence, defined as the cognitive capacity of a neighborhood, is associated with collective efficacy and violence across neighborhoods in Chicago, IL. We theorized that neighborhood intelligence, in part, reflects neighborhood problem solving potential and can influence the maintenance of social order. Using multilevel item response theory statistical models to control for measurement error, prior violence, neighborhood structure, problem solving actions, and resident reporting bias, a measure of neighborhood intelligence was positively associated with collective efficacy over a six-year time span, and it reduced the relationship between concentrated disadvantage and collective efficacy. Neighborhood intelligence was indirectly related to variations in violence through collective efficacy.

Authors

• Chris Gibson, University of Florida

• Kevin M. Beaver, Florida State University

• Brian B. Boutwell, Saint Louis University

• John Paul Wright, University of Cincinnati

• J.C. Barnes, University of Cincinnati