Broken Windows Theory

The broken windows theory is a criminological theory of the norm-setting and signaling effect of urban disorder and vandalism on additional crime and anti-social behavior. The theory states that maintaining and monitoring urban environments in a well-ordered condition may stop further vandalism and escalation into more serious crime.

The theory was introduced in a 1982 article by social scientists James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling. Since then it has been subject to great debate both within the social sciences and in the public sphere. The theory has been used as a motivation for several reforms in criminal policy.

The broken windows theory has received support from several empirical studies. At the same time it has also been the subject of a large body of criticism.

Read more about Broken Windows Theory:  Article and Crime Prevention, Theoretical Explanation

Famous quotes containing the words broken, windows and/or theory:

    The essence of being human is that one does not seek perfection, that one is sometimes willing to commit sins for the sake of loyalty, that one does not push asceticism to the point where it makes friendly intercourse impossible, and that one is prepared in the end to be defeated and broken up by life, which is the inevitable price of fastening one’s love upon other human individuals.
    George Orwell (1903–1950)

    And Saints—to windows run—
    To see the little Tippler
    Leaning against the—Sun—
    Emily Dickinson (1830–1886)

    A theory if you hold it hard enough
    And long enough gets rated as a creed....
    Robert Frost (1874–1963)