The Human Nature Assumption For Collective Efficacy

The human nature assumption for collective efficacy is self-interested. The self-interested human nature assumption states individuals are concerned in pursuing their own interests. Individuals will do what they need to do or want to do to get what they want. It does not mean they are selfish or self-centered. It just means humans have the instinct to make them happy first. In some cases, it means committing crimes. Crime is seen as the easiest way to get what they want. But sometimes that is not the case depending on the crime. For example, someone might decide to steal instead of using a credit card because it easier than to pay for it. They might think it would be easy to steal. However, they have to take into consideration if there are security guards, how to leave without being detected or the consequences of being
The authors measured social cohesion and trust by asking the residents if they agreed on specific statements. For example if the respondent agreed if the residents of their neighborhood are willing to help each other (Sampson et al., 1997). The residents use informal social control to reduce crime in their neighborhood as well. Other examples of informal social control are the likelihood of residents intervening when there are budget cuts to the fire station or intervening when kids are spray painting graffiti (Sampson et al., 1997). The likelihood of residents intervening in certain circumstances represented informal social control. They could succeed in achieving collective efficacy by reporting to the appropriate authorities about certain situations (Bernard et al., 2010). Mutual trust and unity are needed between residents of any neighborhood. Collaboration is needed between residents to effectively achieve informal social control, eventually, achieving collective