Who robbed me while I was at the neighborhood watch meeting?: a multi-level analysis of social disorganization, victimization and community cohesion

Past studies have examined the correlation between neighborhood demographics and the likelihood of victimization; however, there has been minimal research on what part victimization plays on community cohesion among its residents. Using data collected on eight Chicago neighborhoods, I will explore the relationship between neighborhood characteristics, victimization, and three determining factors of cohesion: neighborhood satisfaction, sense of community, and involvement in neighborhood organizations. Results indicate that those neighborhoods which had characteristics associated with social disorganization were more likely to fear crime, have high victimization rates, and low community cohesion