A defended neighborhood is a neighborhood that residents identify through defined community borders and through a perception that adjacent areas are geographically separate and socially different. This concept highlights the social construction of neighborhood boundaries and the sense of territoriality and identity that residents develop in relation to their local area. Residents of a defended neighborhood often feel a strong sense of belonging and may actively work to maintain the perceived social and physical boundaries of their community, sometimes in response to perceived threats or differences from neighboring areas. This can involve social activities, community organisations, and even informal surveillance to reinforce the neighborhood's identity and distinctiveness. The concept of a defended neighborhood is relevant to understanding urban sociology, community studies, and issues related to social cohesion and inter-neighborhood relations. The perceived differences between a defended neighborhood and adjacent areas can be based on factors such as socioeconomic status, ethnicity, lifestyle, or levels of crime.