Social Capital And Crime In New York City

This article presents evidence that components of social capital can play a positive role in crime prevention in low-income housing.

1 minute read

July 14, 2002, 3:00 PM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen

The article develops a conceptual approach to crime prevention involving social capital, alternative ownership forms, and environmental design considerations. The study compares five programs in New York City that house the city's poorest, mostly minority residents. Using data from surveys from 487 buildings in Brooklyn, NY, and crime data from the New York City Police Department, it assesses the effectiveness of social capital in crime prevention.The results from the analysis indicate that three components of social capital were all related to reductions in various types of crime in the buildings under study six to twelve months after social capital was measured. These components are basic participation in tenant associations, tenant pro-social norms, and building formal organization."

Thanks to Chris Steins

Read the full story: Social Capital and Crime in New York City's Low-Income Housing

Sunday, July 14, 2002 in Fannie Mae Foundation

Social / Demographics New York

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