Concentrated Disadvantage and its Impact on Missing Persons Cases

• In Event: Special Topics in Victimization: Queer Identities, Social Contexts, and Vulnerable Populations

Abstract

Concentrated disadvantage, characterized by high levels of poverty, crime, and social disorganization within specific geographic areas, presents significant challenges to community well-being. While research has extensively examined the social, economic, and health impacts of concentrated disadvantage, its potential influence on missing persons cases remains underexplored. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the relationship between concentrated disadvantage and the prevalence of missing persons cases.

Research questions:
Is there a relationship between concentrated disadvantaged characteristics (educational attainment, poverty level, overall crime rates, etc.) and the prevalence of missing persons cases?

Are areas that more diverse, disadvantaged, and/or populated in race, class, and gender, more likely to have heterogenity in their missing persons cases?

How does this impact media coverage, attention, resource allocation in the area?

Author

• Ciara Peebles, University of Georgia