Which term describes the idea that immigration strengthens communities and local economies, potentially reducing crime via social networks?

• A. Acculturation effect
• B. Neighborhood-level explanation for immigration and crime
• C. Revitalization hypothesis
• D. Self-selection

Answer: (C)

The main idea being tested is that immigration can act as a force for neighborhood revitalization, boosting local economies and strengthening social networks in ways that can reduce crime. This is captured by the revitalization hypothesis, which holds that immigrant communities bring new businesses, investment, and daily activity that reinvigorate neighborhoods. With more economic activity and familiar social ties, residents often experience greater informal social control and collective efficacy, which can deter crime and improve safety overall.

Acculturation effect centers on how immigrants adapt to language, norms, and culture in the host society, rather than on neighborhood economic renewal or crime dynamics. The neighborhood-level explanation for immigration and crime describes a broad framework of mechanisms at the local level, but the specific term for the idea of immigrants revitalizing communities and economies is the revitalization hypothesis. Self-selection focuses on the characteristics that migrants bring or select for, not on the community-wide revitalization and crime-reduction effects.