Fear of Crime among Female North Korean Defectors in South Korea

• Published in: International journal of offender therapy and comparative criminology Vol. 66; no. 2-3; pp. 227 - 248
• Main Authors: Choi, Jaeyong, Hack, Tay, Lee, Julak
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.02.2022; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Asian cultural groups; Community policing; Competence; Crime; Crime prevention; Defections; Democratic People's Republic of Korea; Fear; Fear & phobias; Fear of crime; Female; Females; Friendship; Humans; Immigrants; Language; Language attitudes; Language proficiency; Male; Policy making; Political asylum; Republic of Korea; Democratic People's Republic of Korea; Republic of Korea; South Korea; North Korea; North Korean defectors; patriarchal attitudes; acculturation; fear of crime
• ISSN: 0306-624X; 1552-6933; 1552-6933
• DOI: 10.1177/0306624X21992362

Although some studies have focused on immigrants’ fear of crime in the United States, it is important to point out that the number of North Korean defectors to South Korea has rapidly increased since the 1990s. Therefore, understanding factors associated with fear of crime for North Korean immigrants, especially female defectors, is important for ensuring their successful transitions into South Korean culture. The present study used existing survey data from a sample of female North Korean defectors to explore factors related to fear of crime. Results indicate that the number of North Korean friends, language proficiency, and patriarchal attitudes toward gender were significant predictors of fear of crime for the North Korean female defectors. Findings are described and discussed as a potential source for policymaking to reduce North Korean immigrants’ acculturative stress and fear of crime and to encourage smooth transitions into new cultures.