Sociology ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-30-2024

Abstract

Research demonstrates that crime rate differences across racially segregated urban communities are primarily attributable to uneven distributions of resources between neighborhoods. Less is known about the role economic inequality within neighborhoods, what I call relative inequality, plays in maintaining ethno-racial criminal disparities. In this dissertation I explore sources of variation in the impact of relative inequality on neighborhood crime by drawing on data from the 2010-2013 National Neighborhood Crime Study Panel (NNCS2-P). I find that relative inequality effects are attenuated in higher disadvantage neighborhoods and this interaction accounts for differences in effect size by neighborhood ethno-racial composition. Results also show that relative inequality effects are weakened in cities that are more segregated, have greater minority political empowerment, and have more neighborhood development organizations. These findings suggest that initiatives to integrate and economically revitalize disadvantaged neighborhoods will not be sufficient to reduce crime and disorder so long as neighbors remain unequal.

Degree Name

Sociology

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Sociology

First Committee Member (Chair)

Christopher J. Lyons

Second Committee Member

Maria B. Velez

Third Committee Member

Noah Painter-Davis

Fourth Committee Member

Lisa M. Broidy

Keywords

inequality, disadvantage, relative deprivation, crime, race, neighborhoods

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

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