Active guardianship in urban public places: place attachment and social cohesion

Everyday users of public places are vital crime guardians because they are often present when formal security is absent. In this study, we use survey data from 940 Australian residents to examine the influence of place type, place attachment and perceived social cohesion on responses to disorder in...

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1. VerfasserIn: Zahnow, Renee (Verfasst von)
Medienart: Elektronisch Aufsatz
Sprache:Englisch
Veröffentlicht: 2026
In: Psychology, crime & law
Jahr: 2026, Band: 32, Heft: 2, Seiten: 345-366
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Zusammenfassung:Everyday users of public places are vital crime guardians because they are often present when formal security is absent. In this study, we use survey data from 940 Australian residents to examine the influence of place type, place attachment and perceived social cohesion on responses to disorder in public places. We find that individuals are more likely to intervene directly in disorder problems at places that are associated with a specific activity and have a defined in-group of participants (e.g. places of worship, health clubs) compared to consumption places (e.g. shops) or open public parks. We also find that perceived social cohesion can reduce the likelihood of guardianship-in-action when place attachment is high. We suggest that in public places the perception that other individuals are capable and willing to intervene may lead to diffusion of responsibility.
ISSN:1477-2744
DOI:10.1080/1068316X.2024.2368568