Considering the Gendered Nature of Constrained Behavior Practices Among Male and Female College Students

• NCJ Number: 227886
• Journal: Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice Volume: 25 Issue: 3 Dated: August 2009 Pages: 282-299
• Author(s): Nicole E. Rader; Jeralynn S. Cossman; Marisa Allison
• Date Published: August 2009
• Length: 18 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: For related articles see NCJ-227884-85, and NCJ-227887-89

Annotation

This study extends the literature on gender and fear of crime by arguing the merit in reassessing constrained behaviors using a gendered lens.

Abstract

The results of the study, which hypothesized that men and women use different types of constrained behaviors, suggest that women are more likely to engage in all four types of constrained behaviors and that a variety of gender differences in behavioral response to fear of crime are apparent when comparing across the four categories. The four distinct categories of constrained behavior are defensive precautions, lifestyle modifications, reliance on others, and convenience precautions. Previous research suggests that individuals engage in a variety of constrained behaviors to protect themselves from potential victimization. Using university survey data, this study argued that gendered fear might translate into gendered behaviors and, to the extent that it does, would require a rethinking of the categorization of constrained behaviors. Tables, notes, and references