Posts Tagged ‘disorder’

Broken windows are a big deal

December 8th, 2008

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. 

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Posted in In the News, Leadership, Rural | Comments (3)