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Posts Tagged ‘beautification’
More evidence to support “Broken Windows” Theory
February 18th, 2009
Back in December2008, I wrote about the negative effects associated with “broken windows theory” and suggested litter, graffiti, abandoned buildings, and other signs of “disorder” might limit or decrease the willingness of community members to work together on projects.
I’ve yet to find any hard research linking broken windows to descreased community support, but a study in Lowell, Massachusetts offers further evidence that community beautification can help reduce crime.
Other resources on “broken window theory”
- “Broken Windows“, The Atlantic (the original article about the subject)
- “Graffiti study in bolsters ‘broken windows’,” Los Angeles Times
- “A crack in the Broken-Windows Theory“, The Washington Post
- “Breakthrough on “Broken Windows“, The Boston Globe (the story describing the Lowell, MA study)
Note: I’ve been looking for information about “broken windows” theory in rural places, but haven’t’ had much luck. I’d appreciate any resources people can pass along.
Tags: beautification, broken window theory, community appearance, community involvement, graffiti, Lowell MA
Posted in Community Development, In the News, Rural | Comments (0)