Urban Design and Punitive Attitudes: An Analysis of the Connection between Walkability and American Perceptions of Crime
This research examines the relationship between walkability and people’s punitive attitudes toward crime. Cities are places where people get around in ways other than driving and where many (sometimes excessively) believe crime is a major issue. Particularly following George Floyd’s murder, crime in major US cities has been characterized as “out of control.” In Minneapolis, this discussion of crime and policing has happened in the context of one of the country’s most “walkable” cities. This research utilizes linear-mixed modeling to explore (1) the relationship between walkability and punitive attitudes toward crime and (2) whether this relationship differs depending on the racial makeup of the area where an individual lives. The prediction is that punitive attitudes will decrease in more walkable spaces, but racial heterogeneity will reverse this relationship so walkability increases punitive attitudes. Data on walkability come from The National Walkability Index, assessed at the census block-group level; data on racial breakdown come from the US Census, assessed at the census-tract and census block-group level; and data on individual attitudes regarding crime come from the 2020 American National Election Study. Findings will suggest future research and policy recommendations for a walkability approach to the social sciences, especially in political science.