Fear of criminal victimization in a reputedly violent environment

摘要: Using survey data the study estimates prevalence, level of intensity, and broad patterns associated with fear criminal victimization in an environment that is characterized by high levels ordinary vio lence. Some findings are common to other countries while others may be specific a setting which there social violence. These latter include risk-worry paradox where subjective evaluations risk incongruent worry about vic timization. The article suggests pattern "irrationality" responses crime Jamaica conditioned real as well vicarious population, this irration ality reflects projection general insecurities society on crime. Crime has become emblematic dangers facing society. Since decade 1970s, experienced increasing rates violent Between 1977 2000, rate increased from 254.6 incidents per 100,000 citi zens 633.4/100,000, murder 19.2/100,000 39/ 100,000.a During period, were some 14,512 reported mur ders Jamaica, country population 2.5 million (in 2000). Given density long duration violence, understandably, Jamaican been gripped anxiety victimization. Fear effect However, conditions national economic vulnerability, massive indebted ness, highly competitive media environment, small society, 1 See Economic Social Survey (1998; 1988; 1978) for respective years.