broken windows theory

English

Vandalized windows in abandoned housing

Alternative forms

• broken window theory

Etymology

After article propounding the theory by social scientists James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling, “Broken Windows”, Atlantic Monthly (March 1982).

Proper noun

broken windows theory

1. (criminology) A criminological theory stating that signs of urban decay (e.g. broken windows, graffiti) signal that an area is not monitored, encouraging more destructive criminal behavior.
   • 2014, Emily St. John Mandel, Station Eleven, Picador (2022), page 249:

     Clark disliked the general state of unshavenness, partly for aesthetic reasons and partly because he was a believer in the broken-windows theory of urban-crime management, the way the appearance of dereliction can pave the way for more serious crimes.

Related terms

• broken windows policing