'Broken Window' theory, first introduced by James Q. Wilson and George Kelling, it argues that visible signs of disorder and neglect, like broken windows, graffiti, or litter, encourages more serious crime
"Do whatever. No one's watching."
In the 1970's, Psychologist Bruce Alexander ran an experiment where he put rats in two different setups.
◉ One group Isolated in cages, with only food, water, and access to morphine
◉ Another in a "Rat Part" which is a large space with other rats, food, and toys.
What they found is that the rats in the isolated cages, tool a lot of morphine and were addicted to it... The ones in the park, barely touched it
Now think of people. People in isolated, broken environments tend to turn to substances, violence, or crime as a way to cope. In healthy environments, the addiction rate drops due to the amount of support and connection.
"Addiction isn't about the drug; it's about the cage."
Johann Hari
Many Communities today are the human equivalent of a cage
● High crime rates
● Underfunded Schools
● Lack of parks
● No affordable mental health care
● Isolation and Trauma
● Disorder and negligence
...and a lot more
A more vibrant and well-kept neighborhood leads to less crime and violence. This is due to 'color psychology', bright colors can trigger the release of dopamine and stimulate the brain.
A 'dull' and neglected neighborhood will most likely lead to high crime and addiction rates.
[Research Report written by the National Institute of Justice on changes on the Physical Environment to reduce crime]
"Controlling physical deterioration to reduce offenders’ perceptions that areas are vulnerable to crime and that residents are so fearful they would do nothing to stop a crime."
Ralph B. Taylor & Adele V. Harrel
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE
Of children that were exposed to violence in their homes, schools, or communities, and/or childhood exposure, are likely exposed to other types of violence
Increase in the risk of violet behavior during adolescence due to witnessing either violence of physical abuse
of Incarcerated youth have experienced trauma or neglect
If we want safer cities and communities, we need to fix them. That means:
- Funding mental health services
- Fixing Methods of Rehabilitation
- More support for parents
- Clean up cities
- Remove or Remodel Abandoned buildings
etc.
Report done by National Instate of Justice on solutions to environment to reduce crime
A Vietnam war veteran with PTSD who lacked mental health support after returning from war.
His trauma and isolation eventually led to a crime. He planted a bomb where he hoped to come to 'save the day' and be seen as a hero. He didn't mean to kill anyone, but he did.
If he had proper mental health care and community support, it would've been different.
A 14 y/o girl from a broken home.
While trying to sneak over to her friends house, accidently caused a fire which killed two boys who were in the house.
Trina was charged as an adult and was sentenced to life w/o parole and was placed in adult prison where she suffered more abuse and isolation
A 14 y/o boy who killed his mothers abusive boyfriend in defense.
Despite being a child reacting to trauma (self-defense basically), he was jailed with adults.
He attacked him due to self defense but was charged as a lifeless murderer.
Made with Morbirise By: Samuel Gorbatenko
images from Pixabay
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