The Impact of Community Disorder on Collective Efficacy: Focusing on the Mediating Effect of Fear of Crime

This study empirically analyzes the effects of community disorder on collective efficacy in rural and island regions through the mediating effect of fear of crime, based on the Broken Windows Theory. According to this theory, unaddressed physical and social disorder within communities may heighten residents' fear of crime and safety concerns, leading to a weakening of social control and cohesion among community members. Community disorder significantly impacts social bonds and the safety of communities, with physical and social disorder potentially influencing collective efficacy among residents. The study utilized survey data from the “2020 Rural and Island Region Crime Environment Survey,” focusing on key variables, including collective efficacy, physical disorder, social disorder, and fear of crime. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis revealed that physical and social disorder significantly impacted collective efficacy both directly and indirectly through fear of crime. However, the mediating effect of fear of crime on collective efficacy was statistically insignificant, suggesting that the direct effects hold greater importance. Notably, physical and social disorder exhibited contrasting effects on collective efficacy, influenced by the unique environmental factors characteristic of rural and island regions. The findings provide insights for crime prevention and social cohesion policies specific to these regions and underscore the need for further in-depth analysis of collective efficacy across diverse environmental contexts.