Combining Theoretical Models of Perceived Risk and Fear of Gang Crime among Whites and Latinos

Using path analytical techniques, this study extends social disorganization theory to individual perceptions and examines the combined effects of demographic characteristics, diversity, disorder, decline, and perceived risk on the fear of gang crime among Whites and Latinos in Orange County, CA. Findings indicate that relationships among the theoretical models are similar for both groups, but effects of some demographic factors differ by ethnicityindicating an ethnic interactive effect. Specifically, this study, using a more representative sample, supports Lane's (2002) finding that diversity concerns lead to perceptions of disorder which lead to worries about community decline and therefore more perceived gang-related risk and fear. Tables, figure, notes, and references (Published Abstract)