Broken Windows Theory: An Evaluation

• What does the Broken Windows Theory suggest about physical disorder?

  It leads to higher crime rates.
• What are informal social control methods according to the Broken Windows Theory?

  They are effective remedies for crime.
• What did the 2008 experiment on deviant behavior find?

  Untidy environments increased deviant behavior.
• What did the 2015 meta-analysis conclude about community interventions?

  They effectively reduce crime levels.
• What was the outcome of the “Moving to Opportunity” program?

  No correlation between disorder and crime rates.
• What does Wesley Skogan identify as a challenge in evaluating Broken Windows Theory?

  Defining and measuring social disorder is difficult.
• Why is it hard to operationalize Broken Windows Theory?

  Multiple definitions of social disorder exist.
• What complicates the measurement of social disorder?

  Variability in public sensitivity and reports.
• What external factors might influence crime rates during experiments?

  Broader social changes could affect results.
• What does the popularity of Broken Windows Theory suggest about its acceptance?

  It may be influenced by ideological bias.
• What are the main components of the Broken Windows Theory?

  • Physical disorder leads to crime
  • Informal social control methods are effective
  • Urban renewal and neighborhood watch can help
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence supporting Broken Windows Theory?

  Strengths:

  • Some experiments support the theory
  • Meta-analysis shows effective interventions

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Mixed evidence overall
  • Challenges in defining and measuring disorder
  • Confounding variables affect results
• What are the implications of the “Moving to Opportunity” program findings?

  • Crime rates remained unchanged
  • Suggests individual factors are root causes
  • Challenges the link between environment and crime
• What factors complicate the evaluation of Broken Windows Theory?

  • Difficulty in defining social disorder
  • Challenges in measuring disorder accurately
  • Influence of external social changes