A Tale of Two Theories: Whither Social Disorganization Theory and the Routine Activities Approach?

2021 ◽  
pp. e20210013
Author(s):  
Jen-Li Shen ◽  
Martin A. Andresen
Keyword(s):  
Social Disorganization ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Property Crime ◽  
Routine Activities ◽  
Routine Activity ◽  
Social Disorganization Theory ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Social Phenomena ◽  
Crime Types ◽  
Routine Activities Approach

Social disorganization theory and the routine activities approach have been extensively applied separately as theoretical frameworks for the spatial analysis of crime, with general support. As hypothetical explanations for complex social phenomena, criminological theories can impact how studies are framed and how the crime problem is approached. Thus, it is important to evaluate theories continuously in various geographical, as well as contemporary contexts. This study uses both theories in tandem to examine their ability to explain 2016 property crime in Vancouver, Canada, using 2016 census data. Both theories found moderate support. Of particular note is that all of the variables designated as proxies for ethnic heterogeneity in social disorganization theory were either not statistically significant or negative, consistent with the immigration and crime literature. Additionally, almost all variables, when statistically significant, were found to have consistent results across crime types. These results bode well for the continued use of social disorganization theory and the routine activity approach in spatial analyses of crime.

Spatially varying relationships between immigration measures and property crime Types in Vancouver Census Tracts, 2016

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 1342-1367
Author(s):  
Martin A Andresen ◽  
Olivia K Ha
Keyword(s):  
Census Data ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Property Crime ◽  
Census Tracts ◽  
Estimated Parameters ◽  
Neighbourhood Level ◽  
Significant Spatial Variation ◽  
Crime Types ◽  
Spatially Varying ◽  
Crime Classification

Abstract We empirically test for spatial heterogeneity or local effects of multiple immigration measures on various property crime classification across Vancouver census tracts, 2016. Using spatially referenced property crime data and census data, we use geographically weighted regression to investigate the neighbourhood-level effects of immigration on crime. We find that estimated parameters vary across space, but these local immigration effects do not always vary significantly at the local level. Overall, significant spatial variation in the effects of immigration on property crime is present. These are important for policy and theory. The identification of varied spatial patterns of immigration effects on crime may help explain some of the inconsistent/disparate results found in neighbourhood-level studies on immigration and crime.

scholarly journals Examination of Routine Activities Theory by the property crime

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 1188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uğur Argun ◽  
Murat Dağlar
Keyword(s):  
Activity Theory ◽  
Crime Prevention ◽  
Property Crime ◽  
Routine Activities ◽  
Routine Activity Theory ◽  
Routine Activities Theory ◽  
Routine Activity ◽  
Property Crimes ◽  
The Many ◽  
Causes Of Crime

The studies on crime prevention, causes of crime and the theories associated with it are very essential topics in criminology. Routine Activities Theory (RAT) is also the basis for the many criminological theories. Although it has some shortcomings it is very usual that the theorists and practitioners on crime prevention can benefit from such a strong theory. This study explains the applicability of Routine Activities Theory in prevention and reducing of property crimes in the context of some parameters related to burglary and auto theft incidents in US. The study aims to give some information of the routine activity theory and investigate its relationship with prevention of property crimes. The results of study suggest that Routine Activity Theory may be used as a useful tool by crime reduction or prevention practitioners to evaluate crime problems and also take routine precautions and measures that reduce crime opportunities in people’s daily activities.

The social disorganization of intimate partner violence

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 37-41
Author(s):  
Anthony Piscitelli ◽  
Sean Doherty
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Collective Efficacy ◽  
Social Disorganization ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Property Crime ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Social Disorganization Theory ◽  
Economic Disadvantage ◽  
The Social ◽  
Family Breakdown

Recently, scholars have begun to recognize new theoretical connections between geography and intimate partner violence (IPV). One such theory is social disorganization theory (SDT). According to SDT, crime in communities can primarily be explained as a consequence of economic disadvantage, insufficient informal social control, lack of collective efficacy, and family breakdown. SDT is typically used in the context of property crime and public violence. This article reviews this evolving literature, proposing a unique and comprehensive concept map offering insights into how neighbourhood dynamics influence IPV.

Social Disorganization and Homicide in Recife, Brazil

2015 ◽  
Vol 61 (14) ◽  
pp. 1570-1592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Débora V. S. Pereira ◽  
Caroline M. M. Mota ◽  
Martin A. Andresen
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Spatial Autocorrelation ◽  
Social Disorganization ◽  
Census Tract ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Spatial Regression ◽  
Social Disorganization Theory ◽  
Census Tract Level ◽  
Negative Relationships

In this article, we investigate the determinants of homicide in Recife, Brazil, considering social disorganization theory. Using georeferenced homicide data, 2009-2013, and census data, we analyze homicide in Recife using a spatial regression technique that controls for spatial autocorrelation and heteroskedasticity at the census tract level. Overall, we find that homicide in Recife, Brazil, is characterized by social disorganization theory. Specifically, positive relationships are found for inequality, rented houses, and quantity of people, but negative relationships are found for income, literacy, percentage of married people, water supply, public illumination, the percentage of women responsible for the house, and population density. Overall, we find that social disorganization theory provides an instructive framework for understanding homicide in Recife, Brazil. However, there are specific contexts to Brazil that are different from North American contexts.

A Routine Activities Approach to Evidence-Based Risk Assessment: Findings From Two Simulated Phishing Attacks

2021 ◽  
pp. 089443932110463
Author(s):  
David Maimon ◽  
C. Jordan Howell ◽  
Robert C. Perkins ◽  
Caitlyn N. Muniz ◽  
Tamar Berenblum
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Routine Activities ◽  
Routine Activity Theory ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Routine Activity ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Phishing Attacks ◽  
Routine Activities Approach ◽  
The University

To assess the efficacy of routine activity theory (RAT) for explaining phishing victimization and guide evidence-based policy, we launched two phishing attacks via a university Listserv ( N = 25,875). The first email offered access to a pdf file; the second offered free concert tickets. Several interesting findings emerged demonstrating phishing victimization results from network users’ routine behaviors. Students were significantly less likely to open the phishing email sharing a pdf but more likely to open the email offering free concert tickets. Moreover, students were mor e likely to click the malicious link embedded within the phishing email in both studies, often using mobile devices. Conversely, employees were more likely to click the link while connected to the university network, thus exposing the network to greater levels of risk. Finally, the email offering concert tickets was opened at a frequency more than double the email containing the pdf. Theoretical and policy implications are discussed.

Lifestyle-Routine Activities, Neighborhood Context, and Ethnic Hate Crime Victimization

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 932-948
Author(s):  
Susan McNeeley ◽  
Suzanne Overstreet
Keyword(s):  
Collective Efficacy ◽  
Social Disorganization ◽  
Hate Crime ◽  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Routine Activities ◽  
Neighborhood Context ◽  
Social Disorganization Theory ◽  
Crime Victimization ◽  
Neighborhood Collective Efficacy

There is little empirical work examining how individuals’ characteristics and lifestyles may influence hate crime victimization. In addition, while recent research suggests that social disorganization theory is useful for understanding hate crime, more studies are needed to understand how community characteristics influence hate crime victimization. This study conducts multilevel models using survey data from approximately 3,700 individuals nested within 123 neighborhoods in order to examine whether lifestyles and neighborhood context contribute to ethnic hate crime victimization. The results identify several measures of lifestyle that are associated with hate crime victimization. In addition, neighborhood collective efficacy was related to lower risk for hate crime victimization. The results provide support for lifestyle-routine activities theory and social disorganization theory and contribute to our understanding of hate crime victimization.

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