Exploring the Role of Fear of Crime and Gun Ownership
Author | : Danielle M. Fenimore |
Publisher | : |
Total Pages | : 117 |
Release | : 2015 |
Genre | : Electronic dissertations |
ISBN | : |
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This study examines the relationship between fear of crime and gun ownership through the examination of data collected from an online survey. Previous research indicates that there is a significant difference between males and females fear of crime, and that females are more likely to partake in constrained behaviors, which decrease the likelihood of an individual becoming a victim of crime (De Groof, 2008; Felson & Pare, 2010; Gordon et al., 1980; May, Rader, & Goodrum, 2010; Schaefer, Huebner, & Bynum, 2006; Tomsich, Gover, & Jennings, 2011). Previous research also indicates that there is a reciprocal relationship between fear of crime and gun ownership, making it difficult to establish a causal relationship (Bankston & Thompson, 1989; DeFronzo, 1979; Kleck, 1991; Kleck, 1997). The current study examines hypotheses that differences in socialization of gender stereotypes identified in fear of crime research will similarly predict female protective ownership. Because of issues identified with traditional fear of crime questions in previous research, each respondent was asked a series of questions to determine his or her level of fear. A factor analysis was conducted on these questions to create a new outcome variable to perform a linear regression analysis to identify significant predictors of fear. An ordinary least squares analysis was performed to identify significant predictors of fear of crime and a logistic regression analysis was performed to determine if there is a causal relationship between fear of crime and gun ownership.