Writer: Ayushman Joshi
Editor: Bipasha
Illustrator: Ananya Prabhakar
It is believed that human beings pick social cues from their environment which determines a significant amount of their behaviour. Aesthetics, beyond their use for beautification, seem to serve a functionality purpose. The broken windows theory, first introduced by James Q. Wilson and George Kelling in 1982, posits that visible signs of disorder, such as broken windows, lead to an increase in crime and social problems in a community. The theory suggests that maintaining a clean and orderly appearance in a neighbourhood can prevent serious criminal activity from occurring.
One key aspect of the broken windows theory is its emphasis on aesthetics. The theory argues that the physical appearance of a community, including the condition of buildings and public spaces, can have a significant impact on crime and social problems. According to the theory, if a community looks neglected, it will attract criminal activity and discourage investment and economic development.
While the broken windows theory has been credited with reducing crime in many cities, it has also faced significant criticisms. One major critique is that the theory is based on a flawed understanding of crime and its causes. It criminalises poverty and homelessness and has negligible consideration of other important factors that contribute to crime. Critics argue that crime is not caused by visible signs of disorder, but rather by deeper social and economic problems such as poverty, unemployment, and racial discrimination. Strategies for crime prevention derived from this theory fracture the relationship between the police and minority communities. The theory has been used to justify policing tactics that disproportionately target communities of colour, leading to a sense of mistrust and alienation among these groups. The theory may hold some truth to it, but speculation has it that what it regards as ‘signs of disorder’ may itself be a perceptual error due to existing racism.
Despite these criticisms, the broken windows theory continues to be influential in policing and community development. And while it is important to consider the potential negative consequences of the theory, it is also worth noting that aesthetics do play a positive role in creating safer and more livable communities. Aesthetics can make a neighbourhood more attractive and inviting to residents and visitors, which can encourage a sense of community, pride and ownership. It can encourage better and more responsible behaviour towards maintaining the appeal of the neighbourhood and can possibly prevent petty and serious crimes.
In conclusion, the broken windows theory has been debated widely, and whether it’s effective or not remains a topic of ongoing research. But there is merit to the idea that aesthetics can play an important role in creating relatively safer communities, but should be approached with caution, as it can lead to negative consequences as well. The philosophy behind the theory is addressing smaller safety issues as they appear and maintaining a clean and orderly appearance in the neighbourhood, but this should be done in a way that is inclusive and respectful of all residents, and that addresses the underlying issues that lead to disorder and crime.
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