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Safety on the streets: cohort changes in fear
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|January 1, 1979
Summary
Fear of walking alone at night has increased across all age groups over eleven years. Older adults show the most significant rise in fear, suggesting aging processes may increase vulnerability perceptions.
Area of Science:
- Criminology
- Sociology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Public perception of safety is crucial for community well-being.
- Understanding fear of crime across different demographics is essential for targeted interventions.
- Previous research indicates varying levels of fear of crime among age groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine longitudinal changes in fear of street crime.
- To identify cohort-specific trends in fear of walking alone at night.
- To explore the relationship between aging and increased fear of criminal victimization.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from two national surveys.
- Examination of fear of street safety over an eleven-year period.
- Comparison of fear levels across different age cohorts.
Main Results:
- Fear of walking alone at night has increased in all examined cohorts.
- The most substantial increases in fear were observed among older cohorts.
- Findings align with theories linking aging processes to heightened vulnerability perceptions.
Conclusions:
- The aging process may contribute to an increased fear of crime among the elderly.
- Longitudinal data reveal significant shifts in public fear of crime.
- Further research should investigate the specific factors contributing to older adults' fear.