Beyond the Bubble: McMaster Students’ Fear of Crime in Downtown Hamilton

Abstract

Previous research has examined fear of crime within university campuses as opposed to the surrounding city. This study aimed to fill this gap by examining students’ fear of crime beyond the university campus, using the idea of familiarity to guide the hypotheses. We explored the difference between local and domestic McMaster students’ fear of crime in downtown Hamilton, Ontario. Additionally, we investigated the role of meaningful time spent downtown as a factor that impacts students’ fear of crime. Using a mixed-methods approach, 261 students completed an online survey about their fear of crime in downtown Hamilton. Quantitative findings revealed no statistically significant difference between the two groups, and meaningful time spent downtown did not moderate the relationship between group status and fear of crime. However, qualitative findings suggested that meaningful time may influence differences in fear of crime in a way that was not captured quantitatively. These findings indicated that the relationship between meaningful time spent in a specific area and fear of crime is more complex than previously assumed, with familiarity alone being insufficient in reducing fear without deeper place attachment. Ultimately, the findings contribute to theoretical discussions on fear of crime while underscoring the importance of community integration strategies in enhancing students' overall sense of safety in their university's city.