Local gendered dynamics: A study of perceptions of risk in high crime Australian communities

• In Event: Urban safety and social change: International and interdisciplinary perspectives

Abstract

Perceptions of risk and safety are tied to both individual level processes, local community dynamics and broader social movements, and these have implications for both women’s and men’s perceptions of risk. This presentation draws on 8 community focus groups of 56 participants who live in high crime neighbourhoods in Melbourne, Australia. The participants discussions revealed gendered narratives tied to the places they lived, providing insights into local gender dynamics that shape the way women and men perceive risk and understand safety. Women’s narratives of safety in the community focused on encounters with people in their local area. The experiences that most threatened women’s everyday safety were experienced locally while linked to global trends of Islamophobia and gendered violence. While men’s discussions centred on their perceived role as a protector and masculine identities. This presentation will speak to everyday safety and everyday safety practices in the Australian context.

Authors

• Chloe Keel, Griffith University

• Murray Lee, University of Sydney