Social Disorganization and Fear of Crime (A Comparative Study of District 3 and 12 of Tehran)

Different sociological theories are suggested to explain the fear of crime. These theories account variables such as disorganization, media effects, victimization, ecological variables for the explanation of the phenomenon. This paper aims to examine the implications of disorganization theory for the fear of crime. A sample of adults inhabitants of two districts of Tehran (district 3 and 12) were interviewed in a survey study. These two districts are quite different with regard to physical and social disorganization. While district three is an influent well organized area, district 12 is in an opposite situation. The variable of fear of crime was considered as a two dimensional phenomenon including feeling of security and worry of crime. Disorganization comprised of disorder, social worry, subculture diversities, neighborhood bonds, neighborhood attachment. These variables were measured by a 5 point Likert scale. Fear of crime among the inhabitants of are 12 was more than that of the inhabitants of area 3. The feelings of disorganization, except that of neighborhood bonds, among the inhabitants of are 12 were also more than those of the inhabitants of area 3. The data also revealed that there were a significant relationship between perceived disorganization and fear of crime. These findings give significant support to the disorganization theory and are consistent with the previous studies. The only odd result is the positive relationship between neighborhood bonds and fear of crime. This may be explained by the social fabric of inhabitants of area 12. That is, they are mostly immigrants of rural and small cities which still have more connection with their neighbors while the social and physical disorganization of their area cause more fear of crime, they still have their neighborhood ties.