Is "broken windows" theory a valid explanation for crime rates? What are your personal thoughts?

Question

The broken windows theory is a criminological theory that states that visible signs of crime, anti-social behavior, and civil disorder create an urban environment that encourages further crime and disorder, including serious crimes.

Answer 1

According to the Encyclopedia Britanica, Broken Window theory is a criminological theory created in 1982 that suggests that criminal behavior in a community/ neighborhood or smaller environment will likely be committed in a larger environment. The term Broken Window is a metaphor for crime committed in a small place just like a crack in a broken window will spread throughout the entire window. The concept is akin to the nature-nurture theory of behavior that suggests a link to environment and was used as a major factor in understanding urban decay. Most behavior theories stem from some link to the environment. A former L.A. prosecutor stated,"If one broken window is left in an entire building, the breaking of windows will spread." Just like crime.

Logical-yes. Does it work? ......

Answer 2

I certainly think, in terms of psychology, that we all tend to act differently when we feel we are being supported by a group. The idea of deindividuation certainly comes to mind. When we are in a group, it has been proven that we are more likely to act out. It is more difficult to punish a large group, rather than one offender, and it is also easier to conceal your identity in a large group. It simply feels easier to act out, because everyone else around you can provide a sort of shield from consequences.

It is also important to look at groupthink in psychology, in which individuals go with the flow of the group (even if the group has silly or destructive ideas), simply to keep the harmony of the group. If an entire town is vandalizing a local cornerstone, the peer pressure to conform to that group standard will mount. It will seem easier to simply conform to the group's wants and desires, rather than stray from it. Look into the Solomon Asch conformity experiment!