Social determinants of safety in a rural community : voices from Appalachian Kentucky / Charlotte Gill

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Gill, Charlotte (Charlotte E.), author.

Series:

Cambridge elements. Elements in criminology

Cambridge elements. Elements in criminology, 2633-3341

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Crime prevention--Social aspects--Case studies.

Crime prevention.

Rural crimes--Case studies.

Rural crimes.

Sociology, Rural--Case studies.

Sociology, Rural.

Sociology, Rural--Kentucky.

Sociology, Rural--Appalachian Region.

Appalachian Region--Social conditions.

Appalachian Region.

Kentucky--Social conditions.

Kentucky.

Crime prevention--Social aspects.

Genre:

Case studies

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2026

Summary:

"Criminology has long examined the relationship between crime, place, and community dynamics, but has largely overlooked rural areas. Many rural communities possess features that typically protect against crime, like strong informal social controls and collective efficacy, but they also face threats to safety similar to those in urban areas, such as economic decline, poverty, substance abuse, and social isolation. Yet we know little about what shapes rural residents' perceptions of safety. This Element draws on interviews with over 100 young people in Appalachian Kentucky to explore the social determinants of safety in their communities. It examines the protective aspects of local culture, the impact of addiction and economic hardship, and how these issues expose a “dark side” of social cohesion whereby collective efficacy is undermined by stigma and shame. It concludes by exploring how youth and community institutions can help redefine safety, from a privilege to a fundamental human right"-- Cambridge Core

Contents:

Understanding rural crime and safety

“Taking matters into our own hands” : The characteristics of Appalachian Kentucky that promote safety

Drugs as the “downfall of society” : How drug use and economic decline undermine safety

Stigma, shame, and the “dark side” of social cohesion : How threats to safety tear the community apart

The transformative power of youth and community : Opportunities to reclaim safety

Conclusion : Safety as a right, not a privilege

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references

Online resource; title from PDF title page (Cambridge Core, viewed June 8, 2026)

Other Format:

Print version: Gill, Charlotte (Charlotte E.) Social determinants of safety in a rural community

ISBN:

9781009568555

1009568558

9781009568548

100956854X

OCLC:

1579215161

Publisher Number:

CIPO000371129

CIPO000385696

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license