2017 Student Research Conference:
30th Annual Student Research Conference

Walking Alone at Night in Kirksville: Assessing Students' Perceived Level of Safety


Andrea J. Martin
Dr. Paul Shapiro, Faculty Mentor

This study examines students’ perceived level of safety walking alone at night, in Kirksville, Missouri, across several different variables including race, gender, sexual orientation, and the type of area in which the respondent grew up. 405 Truman students, 18 years and older, completed an online survey in the Fall of 2016. Findings show that gender and sexual orientation influence students' perceived levels of safety, with women being more likely to be scared than men and queer individuals being more scared than heterosexuals while walking alone at night. However, race and the type of area in which one grew up does not. The implication of this study is that there is a need for safety education and programs. 

Keywords: Perceived Level of Safety, Gender, Sexual Orientation, Race, Area in Which You Grew Up

Topic(s):Sociology

Presentation Type: Oral Paper

Session: 211-4
Location: VH 1236
Time: 10:15

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