The document discusses evidence on the relationship between neighborhoods and crime. It outlines two main conceptualizations of neighborhoods: as physical places and as social interactions. Research shows correlations between neighborhood demographics/economics and crime rates. However, determining causality is challenging due to issues like residential sorting. The evidence suggests neighborhoods influence crime through both their physical characteristics like job opportunities, and through social interactions with peers, families, and social networks. More research is still needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and isolate their separate effects.

1. Neighborhoods, Social Interactions and Crime: What Does the Evidence Show? Steven Raphael UC Berkeley Michael A. Stoll UCLA