Bridges of Unity: Unraveling the Fear of Crime and Social Capital in the City of Houston

• In Event: Social Disorganization Theory: Places, Spaces, and Time

Abstract

The social disorganization and collective efficacy frameworks suggest that the presence of social capital within neighborhoods could contribute to safer communities. Socioeconomic disadvantage, residential mobility, and ethnic and racial heterogeneity may complicate the development of social networks within neighborhoods, resulting in a reduced ability to develop the social capital needed for crime deterrence. The absence of effective crime prevention resources has been linked to increased perceived risk of victimization, increasing the fear of crime within neighborhoods. While studies have frequently investigated factors that influence fear of crime within neighborhoods in major metropolitan areas, few have had the ability to measure the implications of social capital such as social cohesion and civic engagement. Using data from the Greater Houston Community Panel (GHCP) survey collected during the summer and fall of 2023 from a sample of over 5,000 Houston and Harris County residents, the current study examines the association between the fear of crime and levels of social capital within neighborhoods in one of the most ethnically diverse cities within the country. Results will shed light on the role of collective efficacy within communities and highlight the importance of building community trust among diverse populations.

Authors

• Joy Njeh, Kinder Institute for Urban Research, Rice University

• Katherine Perez, Kinder Institute for Urban Research, Rice University