Explaining the Spatial Distribution and Typology of Citizens’ Reactions to Crime and Norm violation in Urban Spaces of Bandar Abbās

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Assistant Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Geography and Environmental Planning, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahean, Iran.

10.22124/gscaj.2026.30286.1351

Abstract

This study first evaluated the diverse perceptions of citizens regarding norm violation and crime in urban spaces. In the second step, it classified and analyzes citizens’ reactions, and in the third step, it explained the spatial, social, and economic dimensions of the various meaningful reactions exhibited by citizens in the urban spaces of Bandar Abbās. The research was applied in nature and conducted through a descriptive–analytical method. Data were collected using a survey approach (researcher-made questionnaire and two-stage random sampling) with a sample size of 407 respondents. The data were then analyzed and tested using non-parametric inferential statistical models, including Kruskal–Wallis, Kendall’s Tau-c and Tau-b, Chi-square, Spearman, Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Shapiro–Wilk, and cross-tabulation. In response to three types of violations i.e., damaging green spaces, littering, and vandalizing bus stops and signage, 60% to 80% of citizens selected the options “doing nothing” or “only giving a verbal warning.” However, when reacting to three other offenses, ranging from minor to severe (verbal harassment and catcalling, hooliganism, and harassment involving physical threat toward families), only 38%, 10%, and 4% of citizens, respectively, chose “doing nothing” or “only giving a warning.” Analysis of the relationship between education level and reactions to verbal harassment (catcalling) indicated that 52% of illiterate respondents, and 0% of individuals with a doctoral degree, were willing to engage in confrontation (limited or full). The confrontation readiness index regarding catcalling was 70% among very low-income groups and 18% among very high-income groups. Spatial distribution of reactions to hooliganism and family-related harassment showed that 82% of residents in very low-income neighborhoods and 10% in very high-income neighborhoods preparedness for full or limited confrontation conflict. Variables such as literacy, employment, social class, neighborhood socio-economic level, and place of birth were significant determinants of citizens’ reactions, ranging from complete avoidance to full confrontation.

Highlights

- Spatial distribution of citizens' reactions "to the phenomenon of norm violation and crimes in urban space" with an interdisciplinary approach (urban planning, social sciences, geography).

- The effect of spatial-physical factors (neighborhood stratification) on citizens' perception and reaction to various types of crimes was explained.

- Past research has mainly analyzed the level of sense of security and its interrelated factors in urban spaces; this article deals with the typology of the type of citizen reaction and its interrelated factors (social, economic, physical and spatial).

- In English and Persian sources, no research focusing on the type of citizen reaction in urban space was found until 2025 and 1404

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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