Broken Windows Theory
깨진 유리창 이론
An environmental criminological theory asserting that visible signs of minor disorder and vandalism foster an atmosphere of lawlessness that encourages more serious crimes.
| Field | Criminology · Sociology |
|---|---|
| Level of analysis | Meso · Groups & Organizations |
| Paradigm | Behaviorism Institutionalism |
| Key figures | 👤 James Q. Wilson (제임스 윌슨) 👤 George L. Kelling (조지 켈링) |
| Year | 1982 |
Key Claims
James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling argued that unrepaired minor damage—such as a single broken window—signals lack of informal social control, leading to neighborhood breakdown and severe crime escalation. Prioritizing order maintenance and proactive policing against minor infractions restores community confidence and deters felony offending.
Further Reading
- Wilson, J. Q., & Kelling, G. L. (1982). Broken windows: The police and neighborhood safety. The Atlantic Monthly, 249(3), 29–38.
Related theories 3개
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A foundational theoretical framework in sociology addressing Labeling Theory at the micro level of analysis.