Suç korkusu ve risk algısı: Eskişehir'de iki mahallenin sosyolojik analizi

Numerous studies on the fear of crime, which is believed to have a negative impact on an individual's quality of life, sense of social cohesion, and mutual trust, have been conducted primarily in Europe and the United States. For this reason, this research, the primary objective of which is to produce descriptive information on fear of crime and risk perception through two neighbourhoods and to determine the factors affecting fear of crime, is important for understanding the dynamics in Turkiye and comparing it to other studies. In numerous studies, it has been asserted that there are several factors that influence fear of crime, including gender, socioeconomic status, individual perceptions of their own neighbourhoods, prior crime victimisation, and risk perceptions. In this sense, the study provides a comprehensive analysis of these factors, which are assumed to influence fear of crime. In the Yenibağlar and Gültepe neighbourhoods of Eskişehir, a total of 260 individuals, including 130 men and 130 women, were surveyed. According to the findings of the study, women are more fearful than men, and this disparity becomes even more pronounced when sexual offences are considered. While individuals' perceptions of disorder in their neighbourhoods can increase their fear of crime and risk perception, a weak negative correlation between neighbourhood cohesion and fear of crime was discovered. The relationship between risk perception and fear of crime is robust and positive. The most unexpected finding of the research is that 70 out of 260 individuals have been victimised in the past year and that those who have been victimised have less trust in police. Finally, while avoidance behaviour reduces fear of crime and risk perception, defensive behaviour can increase fear and risk.