The impact of physical incivility signs on perceived safety in informal settlements in Jordan

Feeling safe is essential to improve the social and psychological well-being of residents. Safety is often associated with various signs of incivility in neighborhoods in general and in informal settlements in specific; the latter has been rarely studied in the context of Jordan. Thus, the present research aims to identify physical incivility signs in informal settlements and explore their impact on perceived safety. To address this aim, the study utilized a mixed-method approach that included a content analysis of textual and oral documents, a qualitative analysis of 18 interviews, and a spatial analysis of field observations of the selected research setting (Janna’ah neighborhood in Zarqa, Jordan). The goal was to verify forms of physical incivility signs, including abandoned buildings, narrow alleys, poor lighting, litter, vandalism, graffiti, and abandoned cars. Moreover, a quantitative analysis of (487) responses obtained through structured questionnaires was conducted. The results showed that abandoned buildings, alleys, and poor lighting are significant physical incivility signs affecting perceived safety. feeling safe was also associated with residents’ socio-economic attributes such as age, gender, and occupation.