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Posts Tagged ‘graffiti’
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)
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.
Tags: broken window theory, community design, disorder, economist, graffiti
Posted in In the News, Leadership, Rural | Comments (3)