Broken Window

Definition of Broken Window (theory)

The Canada social science dictionary [1] provides the following meaning of Broken Window (theory): The title of a 1982 article by criminologist James Q. Wilson and George Kelling. This simple theory argues that a broken window left unrepaired will make a building look uncared for or abandoned and soon attract vandals to break all the other windows. If this is so, then prevention of crime will be accomplished by steps like painting over graffitti, keeping buildings in good repair, maintaining clean streets and parks and responding effectively to petty street crime. These actions make citizens feel safer and when they frequent public places criminal activity is less likely to occur. Many jurisdictions in North America have adopted practices based on this perspective.

Broken Window (theory): Resources

Notes and References

• Drislane, R., & Parkinson, G. (2016). (Concept of) Broken Window (theory). Online dictionary of the social sciences. Open University of Canada