Understanding Drivers of Crime in East Baltimore: Resident Perceptions of Why Crime Persists

摘要: Urban neighborhoods are frequently associated with high rates of crime, unemployment, poor educational systems, housing conditions, and health related problems. Theories social disorganization, isolation, broken windows all explain how why problems develop persist within urban settings. Drawing on these theories, this study examines residents perceive local community in an East Baltimore neighborhood. Eight focus groups were conducted participants who live and/or work the area to identify common neighborhood issues. Problems commonly identified were: presence physical disorder, issues crime law enforcement, lack employment opportunities, limited youth activities. Embedded under many themes was recognition that lacks collective efficacy fix maintain control. Implications for improving disadvantage will be discussed.