Crime flourishes in communities where 'broken windows' are left unrepaired as it signals that nobody is taking responsibility for their environment.
'Broken windows' refer to signs of disorder and lack of concern for others - e.g. graffiti, vandalism, rowdy behaviour.
Parallel to abandoned buildings (never only one window broken)
Wilson & Kelling are criticised for failing to explain why crime and deviance exists in the first place. A.Cohen and Willis offer an actual explanation!
Clarke - Right Realist
The decision to commit crime is based on a rational calculation of the likely consequences of being caught E.g. balancing the rewards of theft against the consequences of being caught (prison)
Crime is increasing because the perceived costs of crime are low - needs increased surveillance cameras
Postmodernist Katz suggests that crime is committed for the thrill - not a rational choice. E.g. Winona Ryder caught shoplifting in 2001
Hirschi- Right Realist
People commit crime when their attachment to society is weakened.
4 Social bonds that hold people to society:
Commitment = personal investments
Attachment = how much we care about other people's opinions
Belief = moral standards
Involvement = how busy we are
A criticism of Hirschi's theory is that social bonds can sometimes actually lead an individual into crime. Attachment can lead to peer pressure or subcultures.
Thatcher/Reagan
Focus on law and order in 1980s by governments
Crime was due to weak policing and soft punishments
UK prison population peaked in 2010 at 85,000 - 90% increase since 1993
Zimbaro proved Wilson & Kelling's broken windows theory - left a damaged vs a non-damaged car and found the damaged car was always more vandalised whilst the other was left untouched.
