Broken Windows Theory
The theory that maintaining and monitoring urban environments to prevent small crimes such as vandalism, public drinking, and toll-jumping helps to create an atmosphere of order and lawfulness, thereby preventing more serious crimes from happening.
EverydayConcepts.io
Origin
Social scientists James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling introduced the theory in their March 1982 Atlantic Monthly article "Broken Windows." They argued that one unrepaired broken window signals that no one cares, leading to more broken windows and escalating disorder. The theory gained prominence in 1990s New York City under Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Police Commissioner William Bratton, though its effectiveness and equity remain debated among criminologists.
Updated February 22, 2026