TITLE:
Review and Discussion on the Antecedent Variables and Significance of Degree of Fear of Crime
AUTHORS:
Wei Zhang, Jiaying Zhai, Wenchi Wu
KEYWORDS:
Fear of Crime (FoC), Antecedent Variables, Degree Analysis, Explanatory Model, Personal Factors
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.12 No.5,
May
28,
2024
ABSTRACT: In recent years, research on fear of crime has predominantly centered on its potential causes and consequences. As the research progresses, the number and scope of antecedent variables have been expanding, presenting researchers with a broader range of opportunities and choices. However, this proliferation of antecedent variables has also complicated the understanding of the variable relationships inherent in fear of crime research. Notably, certain antecedent variables yield contradictory research outcomes, which can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Utilizing the four explanatory models of “victimization,” “vulnerability,” “disorder,” and “social integration,” this paper comprehensively examines eleven significant antecedents related to fear of crime studies and their associated paradoxes. Furthermore, it delves into the implications of the level of fear of crime, aiming to aid researchers in obtaining a clearer comprehension of the antecedents of fear of crime and the significance represented by their degree through structured review and analysis.