Use of a Local Worker Survey as a Source of Neighborhood Information

Abstract

Researchers increasingly recognize the potential influence of the neighborhood environment on individual health and social behavior. To examine these influences, it is important to use varying measures and sources of neighborhood characteristics. Though neighborhood residents are often surveyed, the perceptions of neighborhood workers have been largely ignored. The current study documents procedures and findings from two longitudinal studies in which workers in 60 neighborhoods were surveyed about neighborhood social cohesion and social control (collective efficacy), and neighborhood problems. Results indicated that workers within neighborhoods were more homogeneous in their views of neighborhood collective efficacy and neighborhood problems than were workers across neighborhoods. In addition, not only were workers' perceptions of their neighborhoods similar to the perceptions of neighborhood residents but they also provided unique information. Overall, this study demonstrates the viability and usefulness of local workers as an additional source of neighborhood information.