The perception of neighborhood disorder in Flemish Belgium: differences between ethnic majority and minority group members and bearing on fear of crime

Abstract

The present research examines whether the perception of neighborhood disorder differs between ethnic majority and minority group members and whether perceived disorder has the same impact on fear of crime among ethnic minorities as among the majority group. To answer the research questions, data are used from a survey among persons of Moroccan, Turkish, and Flemish descent (n=960), gathered in three Flemish Belgian cities (Antwerp, Genk, and Ghent). Multiple regression analyses show differences between majority and minority group members with regard to the perception of loitering youths, dog mess, and littering. Also, results provide support for the broken windows hypothesis in all ethnic groups, but the impact of perceived disorder on fear of crime is highest among the Flemish majority. Possible explanations are discussed.