P046 - How Ethnicity and Immigrant Status Structure Fear of Crime Among U.S. College Students

• In Event: Poster Session & Ice Cream Social

Abstract

Research shows that levels of fear of crime differ according to demographic factors. Much of this research has focused on sex, race, and age and shows that females tend to be more fearful than males, older adults tend to be more fearful than younger persons, and people of color are more fearful than white people. Despite these differences, it is not clear if there are differences in levels of fear across race and ethnicity (e.g., Asian vs. Hispanic) and within race and ethnicity (e.g., East vs. Southeast Asian). Further, whether being an immigrant affects fear is not clear. Using data from the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment (III) Spring 2021 survey, we explore whether and how race and ethnicity and immigrant status influence fear of crime among U.S. college students. Even when controlling for other factors related to fear of crime, we find differences within and across race and ethnicity groups in levels of fear and that being in the U.S. on a visa impacts fear of crime. These finding suggest the need for U.S. institutions of higher learning to work towards inclusive and safe spaces both on and off campus for college students.

Author

• Leah Daigle, Georgia State University