NCJ Number
195637
Journal
Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice Volume: 18 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2002 Pages: 132-146
Date Published
2002
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article examines the effects of social capital along with several other variables, including spatial dependency data, in predicting levels of residential burglary in 320 Detroit neighborhoods.
Abstract
The author used census tract data to assess the character of residential burglary for 320 Detroit neighborhoods. The effect of social capital on residential burglary was tested through the use of two key variables: the density of community organizations and percentage of voter turnout. Variables that controlled for the physical condition of the neighborhood and its proximity to public housing were also used. This study extends the current literature in the field because it incorporates issues of spatial dependency data, which is typically absent from similar research. The author used multivariate linear regression analysis along side of spatial data analysis techniques to probe the character of residential burglaries. Results indicated that age composition of a neighborhood predicted levels of residential burglary, as well as levels of concentrated poverty and residential stability. Social capital was shown to be negatively associated with residential burglary. The higher the social capital, or social cohesion, of a neighborhood, the lower the rate of residential burglary. Tables, references