NCJ Number
231367
Journal
Journal of Quantitative Criminology Volume: 26 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2010 Pages: 237-268
Date Published
June 2010
Length
32 pages
Annotation
This study examined the consequences of segregation on the risk of homicide for Blacks and Hispanics.
Abstract
Past research examining the association between residential segregation and homicide victimization has often considered only one dimension of segregation, and the literature that does use a multidimensional approach has not presented a uniform set of findings. The majority of the studies have focused on the experiences of Blacks, while overlooking the possibility that the differences between the structure of Black and Hispanic communities may alter the conclusions for Hispanics. In this study, the author argues that in order to understand the mechanisms underlying the effects of segregation on homicide, we need to understand the multidimensional structure of Black and Hispanic segregation, and examine whether the relationship between segregation and homicide differs for Blacks and Hispanics. Using 2000 census data and homicide data from the National Vital Statistics System (1999-2001) for U.S. metropolitan areas, this study identified two empirically distinct superdimensions of segregation (group separateness and centralized concentration), both of which have a substantial positive and statistically significant impact on homicide victimization for both Blacks and Hispanics. Figures, tables, appendixes, and references (Published Abstract)