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Broken windows are a big deal
December 8th, 2008 by Mike Knutson
The physical appearance of our communities matters. And it matters a great deal!
Usually, I tell people that “dumpy looking communities” are less attractive places for new families. But a story in The Economist, reminded me that how our communities look may also impact how people behave.
The Economist story focused on the results of a study based on a concept known as “Broken Window Theory“. Simply put, this theory argues that people who see signs of “disorder” – like broken windows, litter, graffiti, and public intoxication– in their neighborhoods are more likely to commit minor crimes.
Admittedly, the crimes reported in the study as a result of the disorder were negligible, ranging from not making the effort to throw away a flier (littering) to taking a $5 bill that belonged to an unknown person (stealing). So, the question is, do these small acts have the potential to snow-ball into something more serious?
As I read the article, I also kept thinking about what effect “orderliness” might have? Is it possible that people who live in neat and tidy communities might be more willing to help their neighbors? Are they more likely to work together on projects with less community conflict?
That conjecture might make a good follow-up study, adding valuable arguments to why we need work on community appearance. But at a minimum, I hope it helps community leaders see how clean towns can reduce the minor criminal acts in their communities.
Note: A special thanks goes to Planetizen for making me aware of this story.
Tags: broken window theory, community design, disorder, economist, graffiti
Posted in In the News, Leadership, Rural | Comments (
3 )
December 9th, 2008 at 7:50 am
Good post! It is definitely worth more study.
I would argue that “broken windows” have led to small town apathy. A resident living in a community with numerous dilapidated properties may believe that the community is bankrupt, both socially and economically. With that view, the resident may believe that there is nothing they can do about the problem and they choose to ignore it.
December 9th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Eric,
Great point. “Broken Glass Theory” is not limited to criminal behavior. I first became aware of the theory while reading Malcolm Gladwell’s work titled The Tipping Point (2000). As Gladwell argues, social problems (like crime or apathy) are contagious and can grow from seemingly unrelated causes. Perhaps, as you suggest, a broken window may lead to feelings of apathy and helplessness. Your comments have caused me to ponder what effect broken windows have on the attitude of younger generations towards their communities?
Anyone interested in learning more about Gladwell’s ideas should check out the following link: http://www.gladwell.com/tippingpoint/index.html
December 9th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
That’s a good question, Mike;
My guess is that “broken windows” may represent the idea that “there’s nothing in this town for me” to young residents. I wonder if it evokes the same feeling when you ask a young resident about what there is to do in their community. They usually respond with, “Nothing; we have to go to [this big town] or [that big town] for something to do.”
Then, I wonder if the younger generation’s minds have been programmed with “urban dreams,” or unreal expectations (no thanks to popular media). You know, that a community must have a Wal Mart, a Pizza Hut, and a Starbucks to mean anything. And if their community doesn’t have those “urban things,” they are dissapointed…therefore, apathetic.