Broken Windows Theory 4

Core idea

visible disorder means weak control and can invite more disorder and crime

key points

physcial and social disorder can send message that no one is in charge

theory links visible disorder to fear and weaker informal social control

what it explains best

how visible disorder and weak informal control can encourage further disorder

main criticsm

in practice it can cause aggressive policing and damaged community trust

Useful example

A block with graffiti, broken windows, and no visible upkeep may look like nobody cares, which can invite more vandalism or disorder.