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
- (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.
Related terms
- broken windows policing