Generality and specificity in the explanation of the fear of crime and perilous places

Abstract

Research on fear of crime can divided into two broad perspectives: the neighborhood
and the situational. The most recent studies on the topic emphasize the situational
aspects or promote the of both dimensions. Although integration is necessary, both
views are pointing to different levels of generality. Likewise, their explanatory power
depends on the level of generality of the fear of crime measure being used. New
analyses of a prrevious study, which could help clarify this issue, are presented here.
The results indicate that prior variables of a general character corresponding to the
neibourhood and the individual are related to a general fear of crime measure (as an
attitude or value judgement). The variables that describe concrete and current perilous
places are related to a situational fear of crime measure (in an emotional sense).