Open AccessNeighbourhood Disorder and Social Cohesiveness among Immigrants in a New Destination
Author(s) -
R. S. Oropesa
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
urban studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.922
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1360-063X
pISSN - 0042-0980
DOI - 10.1177/0042098011403014
Subject(s) - group cohesiveness , neighbourhood (mathematics) , immigration , metropolitan area , perception , sociology , cohesion (chemistry) , geography , social psychology , demographic economics , psychology , mathematical analysis , chemistry , organic chemistry , economics , mathematics , archaeology , neuroscience
Dominican immigrants are increasingly turning away from traditional metropolitan gateways to settle in relatively small and medium-sized cities in the Northeast US. This study examines their views about neighbourhood social disorder and cohesiveness in Reading, Pennsylvania. The results indicate that residents are divided about the pervasiveness of disorder-related problems in their neighbourhoods. Moreover, views about social disorder have implications for social cohesiveness, but neither of these dimensions of urban life can be understood apart from immigrant incorporation. Among those who live in areas without disorder, naturalised citizens are especially likely to feel that they live in a tight-knit neighbourhood and to interact with neighbours. The study concludes with an examination of perceptions of neighbourhood safety.