Perceptions of Community Crime in Ferguson, MO

Zusatztext

This Brief is based on a research study of aging adults' perceptions and fear of crime in their community of Ferguson, Missouri. The study, which was conducted by coincidence just prior to the death of Michael Brown, presents unique insights into the community environment prior to those events, which sparked protests and turmoil in Ferguson and beyond. This qualitative study employs sampling and semi-structured interviews to survey older adults aging in place in Ferguson about their perceptions of crime, social disorder, racial integration and community transformation. The author also draws comparisons to other US cities, and recommendations for future research. While the study is only preliminary, it will be of interest to anyone researching the intersection of race, crime, and community, or particularly the protests surrounding the events in Ferguson, Missouri, as a starting point for comparison.  

Autorenportrait

Dr. Kandace Fisher-McLean serves as an Associate Professional Housing and Environmental Design Specialist with the University of Missouri Extension based in St. Louis, Missouri. She is also the National Coordinator for the Healthy Homes Partnership. She earned a Ph. D. in Human Environmental Sciences: Architectural Studies from the University of Missouri - Columbia, an M. S. in Human Ecology: Design Studies and a Certificate in Gerontology from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and a B. S. in Interior Design from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale. Dr. FisherMcLean became interested in older adults perceptions of crime in Ferguson, Missouri in 2009 after receiving a JumpStart the Conversation grant to address aginginplace issues in the community. This project received national attention and was recognized in the March 2010 Compendium of Community Aging Initiatives by the Center for the Advanced Study of Aging Services at the University of California atBerkeley School of Social Welfare. She decided to further investigate older adults perceptions of crime in Ferguson, Missouri through her doctoral research in 2013 and 2014. To recognize her research in Ferguson, Missouri she was the recipient of the International Architectural Research Centers Consortium King Award for Ph.D. research. 

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