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Preferred term

broken windows theory  

Definition

  • DefinitionThe broken windows theory asserts the existence of an important connection between incivility and crime. According to the theory, if symbols of ‘disorder’ are left unaddressed in a neighbourhood, then more crime problems will intensify there. [Source: The SAGE Dictionary of Policing; Broken Windows Theory]

Broader concept

Entry terms

  • incivilities thesis

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URI

https://concepts.sagepub.com/social-science/concept/broken_windows_theory

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