RT Article
T1 Merchants in the motor city: an assessment of Arab and Chaldean business owners’ perceptions toward public officials and law enforcement
JF Criminology, criminal justice, law & society
VO 17
IS 1
SP 1
OP 19
A1 Chrichlow, Vaughn J.
A1 McGarrell, Edmund F. 1956-
LA English
YR 2016
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1580329098
AB Detroit is known for its socio-economic problems and its high crime rates. These issues are harmful to the business community, however, little is known about business owners’ experiences and perceptions in high-crime environments. This qualitative study examines the challenges facing business owners and highlights Arab and Chaldean participants’ perceptions in some of Detroit’s most violent and disorderly areas. The study discusses the role of legal cynicism, legitimacy perceptions, and the fear of crime in shaping perceptions of local government officials and law enforcement. The findings from in-depth interviews indicate that while participants were not tolerant of crime and delinquency, they possessed unfavorable perceptionstoward city authorities. Furthermore, of the ethnic groups studied, Arab business owners were most concerned about unfair business regulations, the poor performance of police, the threat of violent crime, and declining residential communities. The implications for the safety and security of urban spaces are discussed.
K1 Immigrants
K1 Small business
K1 Legal cynicism
K1 Detroit
K1 Public official