City Research Online

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between changes in neighbourhood characteristics and changes in violence rates across England and Wales from 2011 to 2021. Rising social disadvantage, particularly increased unemployment, poor health, lone-parent households, residential mobility and social housing, was significantly associated with rising violence. While overall ethnic heterogeneity was not linked to violence, increases in heterogeneity were more strongly associated with violence in areas where poor health and low qualifications also rose. Growth in transport infrastructure was linked to rising violence, suggesting that increased footfall may elevate risk. Findings highlight the need to address structural inequalities through investment in housing, health, education and community stability. Policy responses should extend beyond criminal justice to promote long-term violence reduction and community well-being.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This is a pre-copyedited, author-produced version of an article accepted for publication in The British Journal of Criminology following peer review. The version of record Ferhat Tura, Ruth Weir, Niels Blom, Oluwole Adeniyi, Increases In Disadvantage and Instability Are Associated With Rising Violence, The British Journal of Criminology, 2025 is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1093/bjc/azaf080
Publisher Keywords:	Violence, neighbourhood change, social disadvantage, residential instability, ethnic heterogeneity
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HM Sociology H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare
Departments:	School of Policy & Global Affairs School of Policy & Global Affairs > Violence and Society Centre
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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