What does the term collective efficacy refer to?

The term collective efficacy refers to the willingness of residents in a community to work together to control undesirable behaviors and maintain social order. This concept integrates social cohesion—the ties and interactions among community members—and mutual trust, emphasizing the idea that when residents trust each other and are willing to take action, they can effectively address issues like crime and disorder.

When community members collaborate, they create a social environment that is more conducive to reducing crime and improving safety. Collective efficacy is thus an important factor in understanding how neighborhoods can influence levels of crime and overall community well-being, showcasing the impact of community dynamics on individual behavior and social outcomes.

In contrast, other options do not encapsulate the essence of collective efficacy. Individual abilities to escape crime do not address community-level cooperation. Collective economic resources focus only on economic aspects rather than social actions. Lastly, the presence of law enforcement alone does not reflect the social dynamics and willingness of residents to take action for their neighborhood's wellbeing.