Women’s fear of crime in residential open spaces: a structural equation model

Abstract

Fear of crime (FOC) among women has recently drawn a lot of attention from experts in different fields. As a construct, it involves individual, social, and physical aspects. Yet, there is a paucity of research on women s FOC in residential complexes focusing on demographic characteristics, social connections, and the indicators of open space simultaneously. Thus, the present study aimed to fill the gap in this area. In this regard, different theoretical and empirical aspects of the issue were reviewed, based on which a conceptual model was developed. The data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire consisted of three main constructs, namely FOC, social connections, and open space. Of female residents in residential complexes in Mashhad, Iran, 198 were selected as samples of the study. The hypothesized model was assessed using SmartPLS and structural equation modeling. The results indicated the effect of social connections on FOC, and the mediating relationship between open space and FOC through social connections. The research also provides fresh insights into the effects of demographic variables and cultural differences on FOC.