Document Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
3-2025
School/College
Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs (SOPA)
Degree Name
Ph.D. in Administration of Justice
Committee Chairperson
Dr. Howard Henderson
Committee Member 2
Dr. David N. Baker
Committee Member 3
Dr. Jasmine M. Drake
Committee Member 4
Dr. Glenn S. Johnson
Abstract
This dissertation investigates the complex relationship between violent crime and affordable housing through a mixed-methods approach. It merges quantitative crime data with qualitative insights from residents of public housing developments and areas concentrated with housing choice vouchers in Houston, Texas. The study aims to understand the statistical dimensions of crime and the subjective perceptions of residents living within areas of affordable housing and adjacent to these communities. The backdrop of this research focuses on Houston's metropolitan area housing landscape. The city is characterized by clusters of significant concentrations of affordable housing, primarily through traditional public housing developments and the allocation and eventual acceptance of housing choice vouchers. These concentrated areas of affordable housing tenants are often scrutinized regarding their safety and social dynamics. Through an exploratory analysis and the theoretical foundation of social disorganization and collective efficacy theories, this dissertation aims to bridge the gap between statistical crime rates and the lived experiences of residents, thereby presenting a more significant understanding of how crime is perceived within areas of affordable housing. Using a mixed-methods framework, the research incorporates quantitative data analysis of crime statistics obtained from law enforcement agencies, focusing on violent crimes within designated zip codes of affordable housing and their adjoining areas. The quantitative analysis aims to ascertain whether there is an existing statistically significant difference in crime rates between public housing developments concentrated with housing choice vouchers and surrounding areas. Also, qualitative methods were employed to capture the voices and experiences of residents. This included in-depth interview questioning through focus group discussions with individuals from diverse backgrounds residing in public housing and housing choice voucher recipients. These qualitative data allow for an exploration of focus group personal narratives regarding the existence of crime, safety, community engagement, and the overall impact of living in areas of housing affordability, which is often marked by poverty and crime. The qualitative findings explain residents' feelings of vulnerability, coping strategy, and perceptions of collective bond, thereby enriching the quantitative statistical analysis with context and depth. As reported in quantitative data, the findings indicate a disparity between crime rates and residents' perceptions of crime. While the statistical analysis might suggest high levels of violent crime in certain areas, residents often emphasize their sense of community, the overall existence of collaborative support systems, and active engagement in neighborhood safety initiatives. Furthermore, the research highlights significant differences in perceptions of crime, revealing how personal experiences shape an individual's viewpoint on safety and criminal activity. Additionally, the dissertation investigates many of the overarching implications of these findings for policy-driven urban planning. It argues that a singular focus on crime statistics without understanding residents' perceptions can lead to misguided policies that fail to address these communities' underlying issues. Integrating a mixed methods approach provides a more holistic view of the relationship between violent crime and affordable housing, providing the context to advocate for data informed policies within the voices of marginalized communities. In summary, this dissertation underscores the importance of adopting a mixed-methods approach to comprehensively investigate the interplay between affordable housing and the perception of crime. Integrating quantitative and qualitative findings reveals a complex landscape where statistical data may not fully capture the realities of residents' experiences. This research contributes to the broader criminal justice and urban housing studies, offering valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars interested in the dynamics and connection of crime, affordable housing, and community well-being, especially in urban settings.
Copyright
Copyright © for this work is retained by the author. Any documents and information presented are protected by copyright under US Copyright laws and are the property of the author. All Rights Reserved. For permission to use this content please contact the author or the Graduate School at Texas Southern University ([email protected]).
Recommended Citation
Snowden, LaRence Budrich, "Exploratory Study of the Relationship Between Housing Affordability and Violent Crime" (2025). Dissertations (2016-Present). 108.
https://digitalscholarship.tsu.edu/dissertations/108