Ecological and individual vulnerability: An examination of women’s and men’s perceived vulnerability and worry about crime

Women report a heightened worry about crime partly because women perceive themselves as more vulnerable to crime than men. Yet, where women and men live likely influence these perceptions. This thesis explored the relationship between the neighbourhood context and gender differences in perceptions of vulnerability. Findings revealed gendered pathways to worry about crime through perceived vulnerability which were attributable to the neighbourhood contexts. Neighbourhood factors such as prevalence of crime weakened women’s perceptions of control and heightened men's perceptions of control. The results of this thesis have implications for women’s and men's safety, in addition to community crime prevention.