Lauren Porter Talk on "Perception vs. Action: Understanding the Link between Collective Efficacy and Informal Control"

In this study we draw on data from Baltimore City to examine the relationship between collective efficacy and self-reported informal control. In doing so, we also investigate whether relationships vary depending on the local crime environment. We find that collective efficacy is positively related to the percent of residents who report informal intervention across streets. The relationship is salient when examining the components of collective efficacy (perceived cohesion and expected intervention) separately. We also find that the strength of the relationship is contingent on crime, with the relationship being stronger on streets with low levels of crime. This moderating effect is largely driven by perceived cohesion rather than expected intervention, suggesting that increased cohesion more strongly translates to informal control efforts on streets with little to no crime.

Dr. Lauren Porter's research centers on punishment, with particular interest in the health and well being of currently and/or formerly incarcerated individuals. She is also interested in topics related to the criminology of place, such as how aspects of the social and physical environment affect crime concentration and crime reporting.