Read this article about the broken window theory. And then watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5rp9CvUKh4&app=desktop.
There has been a lot of talk, particularly in the blog from two weeks ago, about rules that many students see as "useless", or "stupid". So, tell me what you think about the broken window theory.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broken_windows_theory
If you need some more information, I provided you with a link to a wiki just to give you a general idea of what it is.
How and why might the broken window theory be important to a school? Give me your reaction to the theory and general and whether or not you think the theory is a good one. What might be some of the benefits of a broken window theory and what might be some of the problems. Why do you think it is so controversial?
I believe that the broken window theory is a good theory but I think that it has too many factors, making it inconsistent. The theory is exceptional when it applies to its original focus, vandalism. The theory is exact when it comes to vandalism, if something is not repaired, it will be vandalized to the point where it is unstable anymore because people will see something destroyed and further that destruction for fun. I think that the controversy occurs when the theory applies to other topics, like when it was applied to the foot police patrols. The controversy occurs because other occurrences that the theory is applied to do not always follow the pattern of vandalism. In the article, foot patrols were instituted in neighborhoods to reduce crime, but they did not reduce crime. Residents said that they felt safer but it was because there was orderly conduct across neighborhoods in the city. The police thought that creating an orderly conducted environment would reduce crime, but it did not deter individuals who committed serious crimes as the student taken showed that crime rate remained constant. If a problem is corrected and it fixes other problems and future problems, the theory has been successful and beneficial, and can be carried on. If a problem is focused on but it is not resolved, or other problems still exist, then the theory does not apply very well to the situation and should be abandoned.
ReplyDeleteMany schools apply this theory, but it is only successful in certain instances. Many public schools, especially bigger ones in cities, have foot patrol officers. These officers are there to maintain order and by doing so can even save lives of children who are involved in fights with others who have deadly weapons. The officers are also there to prevent deadly shootings but this is a rare occasion. Foot patrol officers in schools is just one example of applying a broken window theory, and in large schools it can be effective, but in a school that is our size, paying police officers to patrol and watch a few hundred students would be unnecessary and would not really correct any problems. It could be considered that the small almost useless rules that are implemented in our school are a broken window theory. These small rules that have are being enforced were created to eradicate small problems, but eliminating the small issues has not helped academical or behavioral issues. These small rules have only done limited things, like making us eat and drink healthier in school, if we choose to eat or drink, or reduce chaos in the lunch line by making the juniors wait for every single senior to get their food. Do these changes help students to achieve more? No. Do they correct behavioral issues? Other that some pushing in the lunch line, no. These small rules are like the foot patrols in the article, some people like them, but they are ineffective in achieving a larger goal. In the end, making changes like, no coffee or no candy, is not going to help students, it is changes like the changes made on academic standards that will help us succeed as students.
You did such a good job of relating the article to our school policies. I never though of the broken window theory only working under certain conditions, but I agree with that statement. The theory is based on vandalism and doesn't apply to much else. If rules are not enforced, they will be broken. The foot patrol police only instituted order, but did not reduce crime. They watched the windows, but it didn't stop them from being broken. Some rules have little to no purpose and they are the sort of rules that are broken the most.
DeleteJohn, I agree with this theory having to many factors, that was a good point. I can agree with some of the small problems being blown out of portion that could be focused on something else. Although, I feel like these rules are meant for discipline.
DeleteJohn,
DeleteI disagree with the majority of what you said in your blog. I think that enforcing smaller less important issues keeps students' attitude in line. If small rules are ignored, students will try to see how much they can get away with. I think that Mrs. Fledderman had good intentions for the lunch line even though the seniors are obviously the main problem.
John,
DeleteI think you created a good picture of the broken window theory in your blog. As much as I don't like some of the rules at school I think they are there to keep order in check. Like the others above me said they deter people from seeing how far they can stretch the limits and bend the rules before actions are taken.
John,
DeleteI think you established a good argument stating why the broken theory theory has too many perspectives, which I agree with but I disagree with the other information. I believe all the rules in our school system, even if they do sound silly are beneficial in the long run. Teachers and administrators want what is best for us. I enjoyed the rhetorical questions too. Good blog!
The broken window theory basically means that if something that disobeys a rule or law occurs and is left unpunished, the thought that it is allowed will spread. Soon, almost everyone will be doing it. It is like a chain reaction, it starts small and gets larger and more widespread with every incident. So, should the broken window theory be applied to school? Many people think that it all depends on what kind of school, the amount of students, the location, etc. Personally, I think that the theory should be applied everywhere, but the level of it should fit in with the school. At Elk County Catholic, we would not need foot patrol officers monitoring every hallway because generally there is no real crime in our school. The small problems like stealing a pencil or a chicken sandwich in the lunch line could not be fixed. It would be a waste of the cities money to place officers in our schools, instead of putting them out on the streets. Instead, maybe just stick to what we have. The rule book is simple enough, and if this theory was applied at a higher level, our students wouldn't achieve more academically, which is the goal of education. In a city like Philadelphia, officers are needed in schools due to shootings, stabbings, rape, etc. Real crime is present all around and if it is left unattended to, it will only sweep across the institution like a plague. So, in a large sense, the broken window theory should only be applied to schools with larger crime rates and a higher population. At Elk County Catholic, it could be applied, but it would not change anything. In city schools, it would definitely help.
ReplyDeleteI think the theory is a good one. It was well thought out, and is proven true on a daily basis. A really good example of the theory was when the author talked about putting out a car in two different locations, Bronx and Palo Alto, California. Because of a single broken window that was never fixed in the past, the car in Bronx was being torn apart by 10 minutes and within a couple of hours, the whole vehicle was destroyed. The officers were non-existent because they can do nothing to stop thousands of people committing simple crimes. However, in Plao Alto, the theory was used before more crime could ever break lose. Everyone saw that crime resulted in punishment. The car was left untouched for over a week, before one of the experimenters smashed a window. "Because of the nature of community life in the Bronx—its anonymity, the frequency with which cars are abandoned and things are stolen or broken, the past experience of "no one caring"—vandalism begins much more quickly than it does in staid Palo Alto, where people have come to believe that private possessions are cared for, and that mischievous behavior is costly. But vandalism can occur anywhere once communal barriers—the sense of mutual regard and the obligations of civility—are lowered by actions that seem to signal that "no one cares" (Kelling and Wilson).
Like the authors said in the writing, the only real benefit of the theory is that it makes people feel safer. Crime is rarely reduced. One of the biggest problems would be a sense of rebellion. If criminals see officers patrolling the streets, they might try to cause more chaos just to drive them out. Other than that, I really so don't see any other benefits or problems in regard to the theory. So, just like in the Square Eating video, rules are rules and need to be followed to achieve proper discipline. The real question is, is the broken window theory the right answer for school based problems?
Charlie,
DeleteI like how you compared smaller schools to larger schools in your blog. This can be compared to when you talked about criminal behavior in the Bronx and Palo Alto. These two go hand in hand when thinking about crime rate and likely hood of crime occurring.
Simply put, the broken window theory says that if there is a broken window that is not fixed quickly, then soon all the windows will become broken. If a window is broken and then becomes quickly fixed, then no more windows will be broken. Once people see that a rule has been broken and nothing has been done about it, then they feel like it's "okay" to not obey the rules either. They feel entitled to do whatever they want. If there is consequences for a rule, people are careful not to break it, or at least careful nobody sees them breaking it. I think the theory is correct and makes logical sense. Martin Luther King Jr. said that people tend to be more immoral in large groups. This theory supports his observation.
ReplyDeleteThis same theory about rules could be applied to the discipline aspect of schools. How would knowing this theory affect the way rules are created and enforced? If there are too many rules, then less and less rules will be followed. The more rules there are to follow, the more rules there are to break. Rules shouldn't be created over little issues. This makes me thing of the food/drink policy. Students are not allowed to eat unhealthy food during the school day. This rule has some good intentions behind it, but has gone to far. Students cannot eat jolly ranchers during the school day, but at lunch we are served pizza the is dripping with greece. If we can eat food that unhealthy at lunch, why not during the school day? Nobody ever got fat from too many jolly ranchers. They want us to be healthy, yet limit the amount of water we can drink each day by not allowing us to bring in water bottles in school. We can use the water fountains between class periods. Okay, let's have two hundred teenagers go to water fountains between classes. We have lost priorities. More often students get in trouble for this meaningless violations, while daily students get away with cheating. We are becoming more concerned with the color of students socks then their education. Since students see these rules as "stupid", they will get broken. As soon as a few students break them, then everybody will join in. The theory does not surprise me and makes perfect sense to me, as I have seen many incidents that support it.
The broken window theory helps put into perspective what it important and what is worth putting time and effort into enforcing. Occasionally though, the theory gets out of hand as students break windows, they get repaired, but still continue to get broken. The theory is controversial because some believe that the more people, the more moral a group will be. They believe they won't keep breaking windows, but sought out who broke it. More often then not, the windows counting to be broken. It's a matter of whether it's worth fixing them or not.
Justin, you bring up many strong points that I agree with so much!! I believe that most of these rules are made for discipline, but why do we sometimes care more about this than what a student is getting as grades? That could be incorrect, but that is definitely a vibe that is being set out.
DeleteJustin,
DeleteI like how you brought up what Martin Luther King Jr. said about groups being immoral, this is completely true. You make a lot of good points many of which I touch on in my blog. I like your specific examples of socks and water. Things like cheating definelty need more attention, and the priorities need to be straightened out.
Justin,
DeleteYou did a great job relating the theory to our school. It is awful that teachers pay more attention to the color of our socks than to the more important things like, as crazy as it sounds, education. Your concluding paragraph was really good and tied your whole piece together!
Most crime is acted from a careless ideas of that "rules do not apply to me", "everyone else is doing it", or "if I do this everyone will think I'm cool". Most people who commit crimes, or just don't follow the rules, usually do it because they think they can, because they are bored, or because it seems to be the common norm. The broken window theory to me seems efficient, of course there could be some minor drawbacks but in all it is pretty effective. Crime and misdemeanors can be mostly be described as "monkey see, monkey do". In the article it talks about how they put an abandoned car in a parking lot, and how the number of people who destroyed this car accumulated with time. When a person sees someone else commit an act of violence it's easier for them to do it because they know they won't be the only one to get in trouble, or that is how the society works. Having a person of the law in plain sight or around a place where crime happens it is much less reduced. Would you steal a car from a car place if a policeman would be standing right next you? The chances of people who would say yes are lower than those who would say no. That is because you know that you would end up getting punished, that's why the broken window theory can be affected. A problem is that the world should not have to be babysat, and people should not have to have the consequences staring them in the face for them not do it. So, that leads the people who do not commit the crimes will have to deal with the consequences of others.
ReplyDeleteHaving the broken window theory at school would not be a good idea, even if it is in general a good idea. This is a mixed situation because it would work, but should we have to leave teenagers with the idea that they cannot control their lives without someone looking at their every move. Most crime is occurred from people who may not be educated life. If we start in high school with students leaving them with making their own decisions than they will be left with the consequences. If we start this is in high school than maybe these kids will grow into people who make the right decisions. Having teachers who care more about how students will live their future lives and really care about their students, will effect in the future how these students live. In the end that will lead to not having to have police guarding neighborhoods or anything else because we can trust our people to make the right choice, and maybe have the crime rate go down.
Reilly,
DeleteI really like your point about how people shouldn't be threatened not to do something, they just should know not to do it. You also bring up the good point about what happens after school when people have to make their own decisions, I feel as though not enough people consider this. Every choice you make can have a huge effect on your life, making the right decisions is important.
Reilly,
DeleteI really enjoyed your references throughout your blog. I also enjoy the rhetorical questions you ask. I too believe in the point you brought up about decision making when students are on their own. Students never think of what they will have to do in the future on their own. Just like you said, teachers and staff who care about their students will change the way our daily lives are lived and how the student's is lived.
Reilly,
DeleteYour blog is similar to my own as we both talk about the "buddy system" if you will. If I have a someone who will get dirty with me, then the punishment will not be that bad, if anything at all. However, I do not agree with your statement that most criminals are uneducated, as many cons are extremely intelligent. Good blog!
A school is run mainly on order, the broken window theory also relies on order. In a school there is a hierarchy of power and authority. It starts with the principal, then the vice principal, the disciplinarian, the teachers, and staff and so on. The students are on the very bottom, although their numbers are greater, they do not have authority over anyone. With the broken window theory, if one window is broken on a car or house, thieves or vandals will be attracted thinking the place is not cared for or important. The order of a school goes along very nicely with this theory. If students see staff members or teachers ignoring rules or failing to enforce punishments, then the window is broken. Students will do whatever they can to see how far things can go. Things will be pushed to the breaking point and everything will be a free for all until things need to be changed. If rules are not followed then it shows students that the rules are not important or that no one cares, just like the broken window.
ReplyDeleteI think that the theory is very accurate. I have heard about it or about a similar theory in the past so the concept was not completely new to me. I see the logic behind it, for the people breaking in or stealing, they feel they have a right to because they didn't cause the original damage. They feel as if it is not their fault because someone else took the first swing or threw the first rock. It makes sense, but there are also some things that I question. Are researchers saying that the broken window theory only applies in some situations, because in New York there was nothing wrong with the car and people swarmed, but in Los Angeles only when damage was done did people join in. Also, in some cases people will not care if a window is broken they will do whatever they want.
The only problem with the broken window theory is that there will always be a "broken window." Someone will always misbehave and the situation will escalate until things are out of control. The cycle will keep going on and on, even if you fix the window, someone else will break it and the whole thing will start up again. The broken window theory probably causes some problems because people do not like to face reality. This theory is based on real evidence and the theory can apply to many different scenarios. Some people do not like to face the fact that people are bad and do bad things. People steal, vandalize, and break the law and a theory like this brings some of the ugliness to the light.
Rachel,
DeleteI think we share the same views on the theory. The problems that could be created by it may sometimes out way the good, which could be very bad. You did a great job explaining the theory and the example of the two cities was intelligent. Good blog.
The broken windows theory is something that is familiar to a school like Elk County Catholic, but in a completely different way than in a public school. Our school focuses on the tiny details, which takes away from the aim of our education. Why are teachers worried about students drinking coffee in the morning or if they are wearing a belt, and not concerned with how many students are achieving the honor roll? Things like this are minor details that do not help a student achieve their highest potential. There are bigger issues to be concerned about than these, such as the vandalism in the bathroom. This is where our version of the broken window theory comes into effect. The vandalism happened once, then twice, and then three times and soon the bathroom was closed. After awhile it was reopened. It then became vandalized again and was closed. Again, it was reopened. This applies directly to the broken windows theory. As soon as someone else started to vandalize the bathroom again, so did others.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, schools in urban, inner-city areas have fights, drugs, vandalism, weapons, etc. Obviously, the theory applies to them is a whole different way, as police officers in their schools are in their hallways all the time. This is where problems occur and the subject begins to get controversial. I do believe that this theory is excellent because it teaches a person responsibility and shows how much bigger the consequences can be if a serious crime is committed, but it also only works well in small cities. In urban areas, people are constantly surrounded by violence, and not much can be done to stop it because there are many "broken windows". Many people said that they felt safer with a foot patrol officer in their neighborhood, but crimes were still happening. Just because their neighborhoods were orderly and "safe" did not mean that people would stop committing crimes. Just because a drunk person was sent to an ally to sleep instead of on the street does not mean that they can just disappear. Just because someone cannot see something does not mean it is not happening. There are many time secret "broken windows".
The broken windows theory is an overarching idea that can apply to many different situations. It becomes so controversial because of how many topics it can apply to. Overall, it is a great theory that explains exactly how humans react. If someone else does it with me, it is not as bad as doing it alone. We need to realize that this is wrongful thinking, and do something about it.
Kara,
DeleteI completely agree with the points you made about our school, I also talked about how small things are blown out of proportions and focused on more that academics. I also enjoyed how you mentioned that the controversy results when the theory is applied to different situations. Great blog.
We had similar ideas in talking about the restroom vandalism that takes place at our school. I am surprised more people did not mention this, because it is a perfect example of the broken window theory that takes place at our school. I agree that some teachers need to put more focus on academics than minor, stupid things. Why is it fair that some teachers drink and make coffee in front of students, but are then the first to confront or yell at students for harmlessly drinking coffee in the morning.
DeleteKara,
DeleteYour example of vandalism in the bathrooms was a good idea. I thought it was smart of you to mention that each school has a different version of the broken window theory. You also did a good job summarizing what was written in the article that we had to read. Your last sentence was the most meaningful in my opinion. Lots of people think "well if Johnny is doing it then I can do it," but that is the wrong way to think. I enjoyed your blog.
Kara,
DeleteI loved the beginning of your blog! Our school has problems with tiny issues while the real problems are none of their concern. Maybe our school should read some of our blogs about these issues.
The broken window theory is very important for a school, although in some cases it can be a bad idea. Rules, in the long run can never possibly be stupid or useless. They can benefit the society and environment around students. Although most people won't admit it, this theory is different in Catholic schools then it is in public schools. This theory can have too many factors and too many perspectives. In my blog last week, I stated that our school should have rules and regulations, or an honor system on cheating, copying, and vandalism in the school. I find this theory very good because as I read about this broken window theory, I believe the honor code our school should have has this concept of the broken window theory. With rules, regulations, and consequences on topics such as cheating, copying, and vandalism make kids want to do it more. Students want to break the rule or regulation just for trouble uprising. Enforcing it as a thing we must not do and a thing we can get disciplined for makes kids want to do it more for the fun of it. Although I do believe this theory would have problems with an enforced honor code, it could have some benefits in the long run. The broken window theory could have benefits within the school. It could cause students to realize that others students will go out to "mess" with this code and they will eventually realize to stop their friend or the other student from messing with it so the code can actually become enforced without difficulties and child's play. The consequences students may be faced with can change their thought on performing the wrong choice and or the wrong decision. The consequence can prevent injury and other wrong doings on other students. These consequences can make a stronger conscience so when a student is on their own in the real world they can make the right choice and judgement, the safe and life changing choice and judgment. These ideas are what make the broken window theory so controversial. People and especially students think of it as good and some think it is bad. Students need to face the consequences though. Consequences are what make us stronger for our future and everyday lives. If students are free where they can make their own decisions they cannot face the consequences when facing a broken rule or regulation. Our society needs to realize what consequences can do in the long run.
ReplyDeleteAllie,
DeleteI think that sometimes, rules can be stupid and useless. In Indiana, Hotel sheets must be exactly 99 inches long and 81 inches wide. Don't you think that's a little too insane? Besides that, you did a great job explaining the theory and really laid it out. You were right when you said that consequences must be present to help enforce rules in the long run. Great job.
Allie,
DeleteI agree with Charlie when he says there is such thing as useless rules. In West Virginia on Sundays, a man can take his wife and beat her on the court house steps. I understand that gives them one time to do it instead of all of the time, but they should not be beating their wives in the first place, especially on the Lord's Day. I do understand where you are coming from though. I understand that all rules most likely have a logical mindset to why they are enforced. Overall, I do feel you presented your points in the right way.
The broken window theory is mainly based on the ideas of order. Without order nothing can be achieved. What I have taken from the broken window theory is to maintain order you must take necessary actions when maintaining discipline. If proper repercussions are not felt by the individual or individuals who committed a crime then it will continue to happen. At Elk County Catholic, due to its size, the theory of the broken window can be enforced at a higher level and with more precision than say at an inner city school system. Major crimes are not likely to happen at our school, but that's not to say they won't. In order to prevent things from escalating it is important to start at the basis of the rules. All of the small rules must be enforced and followed by students. If they aren't soon more and more individuals will be breaking them and soon all the order will be lost.
ReplyDeleteWe heard about how the police force sent police officers into neighborhoods. These people said they felt safer with the foot patrol in their neighborhoods, but the crime rates still remained at the same level. Why would this be the case? Wouldn't the crime rates go down if the police officers are amongst the places where crime occurs? Well, the truth is the broken window theory only seems to be effective in certain scenarios.
At Elk County Catholic, as well as in other schools and places, it's easier to do things in a group. That way if you do get called out its not just you and the teacher or other enforcement authority. Once case I think of is the lunch line at school. Once a few people started going through the lunch then everyone did. At that point, it was to hard for the teacher to regain order and control and new actions had to be taken to prevent this action from happening.
I think one thing that needs to be established is how much action should be taken. To effectively run and prevent the theory of the broken window, it is important that's all rules and regulations are followed according to the handbook. "Just as physicians now recognize the importance of fostering health rather than simply treating illness, so the police—and the rest of us—ought to recognize the importance of maintaining, intact, communities without broken windows."
Dan,
DeleteI enjoyed your explanation of the theory and how it does not work in every situation. I also agree that our school needs to maintain order to prevent bigger issues, but I think that the small rules, some that do not even have anything to do with behavior, do not have an effective role in correcting behavior that would lead to the bigger issues.
I agree that nothing can be accomplished without some kind of guidance, or order. ECC is a place where it's easier to go with the crowd and always be in groups. In order for the broken window theory to be effective, you would have to get everyone in those groups to follow the rules and always do the right things. I do not think this is possible though. There is always going to be that one sour apple.
DeleteDan,
DeleteI agree with the statement that the broken window theory is based apon order. I also agree with the how it only works in certain sinarios. For example, ECC it would work great due to a small number of students, but somewhere at a larger school this would not be very effective.
The broken window theory could be very influential and beneficial to our school. The broken window theory's whole idea is that if something wrong goes unnoticed or unpunished, then people will soon believe to thing that is okay and are able commit the same crime themselves. An example of this at our school, is the boys upstairs restroom. This has been a serious issue since I've attended ECC my freshmen year. Someone, one day got the idea that it would be okay to write a heinous comment on one of the stalls in the restroom. Eventually, much of the bathroom soon became full of these awful comments. It became so out of hand that someone actually compared are disciplinary then, to Adolf Hitler. Due to this ongoing vandalism of the bathroom, it became locked and unavailable to students. Us boys were warned and made aware of the vandalism numerous times, and actually had an assembly in the auditorium about it. This is a perfect example of the broken window theory at our school. Another example, is the boys locker room located above the main gym. Athletes are assigned to their own locker and locks, and are then responsible for any of their belongings they put in those lockers. During last football season players started to leave their lockers unlocked, and the locker room became a mess. Expensive football equipment provided by the school became lost or damaged. I was not a member of the team, therefore I do not know if that is true or not, but us boys were warned by our athletic director about this issue. This is another great example of the broken window theory taking place in our school. As learned from the article, the broken window theory is only effective under certain circumstances though. In the article, the police force decided to become a for patrol around different neighborhoods to cut back on crime. This gave people a more sense of security, but did not directly cut down on the amount of crime being committed. I think the same goes for ECC. The broken window theory can be very useful, under certain circumstances. An area it could be very useful for is the vandalism in the bathroom. Maybe a member of the staff will be responsible for monitoring who goes into the bathroom and when. I know this sounds a bit over the top, but I personally would prefer that over the bathroom being shut down completely. As far as applying the broken window theory into getting students to longer participate in under age drinking, I say good luck with that. Unfortunately, our area has become very common to its teenagers participating in drinking. I mean we are Elk County, aren't we? Known for shooting deer and drinking beer. This is when the broken window theory becomes very controversial. Teachers could have a positive influence on some of their students, and get them to stop the wrong they are doing, but they will never be able to shut the wrong done completely. The broken window theory is a bright and positive idea if you can get everyone to buy into its benefits, all of the time.
ReplyDeleteFrank,
DeleteI see we had some similar ideas noticing we used the same example of the vandalism in the boys bathroom. I agree with your statements about Elk County, and what we are known for. I also believe that we have a very low crime rate around here and we do not see any over exaggerated theories to keep this crime rate low. Overall, your blog was very personal and I enjoyed reading it.
Frank,
DeleteI agree with Morgan and you that the vandalism in the boys bathroom is a great example of this and I think that Elk County has a bad rep for the teenagers and drinking. It would be very hard to enforce this theory when it is connected to drinking.
I think with the broken window theory, just like everything else, it is going to have someone who does not like it for the sake of everyone else liking it or visa versa. When I first read the article, I thought of inner city crimes such as vandalism or even murder. This theory states that it will have punishments or consequences for smaller crimes to prevent the larger crimes from happening. I believe the theory has a logical insight, but would not be successful in every situation put to use. I feel as though punishments are not as threatening as they used to be. I feel when people go to jail, they have a way too comfortable living routine. They can sit around and watch tv all day instead of out in the workplace, they are provided with meals, and also are provided with weights to get stronger for their release if it comes, which I feel is dangerous. A quote from the article states, "Drunks and addicts could sit on the stoops, but could not lie down. People could drink on side streets, but not at the main intersection. Bottles had to be in paper bags". When I read this, it seemed as though the problem was just being hidden or covered up instead of dealing with the actual problem. Now, I am not saying we go back to prohibition, but putting the bottle in a paper bag is hiding the bottle, not solving the problem. It seemed like a lethargic take on the situation. Also, I did not agree with the way Wilson and Kelling proved their theory. I thought it was stereotypical for them to use an inner city with a high crime rate because they already knew what was going to happen. No one touched the car in California until he took the first vandalism approach. Even though it took a week, both cities had people with the same mindset of vandalizing the cars.
ReplyDeleteNow when I first read the articles and watched the video, I did not put the broken window theory into the aspect of a school setting until I thought about it. I think this theory is actually more fitting in a school environment. I understand there is many complaints on the rules and regulations "coming into play" after the changes our own school has been going through. Some people are not agreeing with the enforcement of the rules saying it is "taking away from our education". I agree the education is important especially in a school. But in attending a Catholic school, we are taught more than just numbers and subjects. We are taught life lessons that we can carry with us throughout our whole lives. This includes respecting our teachers. It only becomes a problem when we respect our teachers and the teacher does not show respect back. A reoccurring problem has been vandalism in our boys restroom. Our teachers keep giving second chances on opening the bathroom again, but it is just taken away when someone vandalizes again. This is not only vandalism, but better yet disrespect. It has been stated plenty of times what was going on in that bathroom, so every time it happens after that it no longer becomes an innocent act. I believe there needs to be a bigger consequence to get the point across that what they are doing is not "cool". The broken window theory has great potential in many aspects, but I think there needs to be a greater punishment to actually stop people from committing these crimes.
The broken window theory was developed by James Wilson and George Kelly. They said that if a person was to see a car that had a broken window they would be more likely to break another one than if the car had been untouched. The theory also applies to rules. If nobody is breaking a rule, then people probably are not going to start breaking it. If a rule is broken and nothing is done about it, other people are going to break the rule as well. Rules need to be addressed as soon as people break them so that people understand that they can not be violated
ReplyDeleteIt is very important to enforce rules, because as soon as people realize that nobody is getting in trouble for the laws that they are violating everyone will be breaking them. As soon as one rule is broken people think that they can break other rules as well. When this happens, rule-breakers start to see how much they can get away with. The problem with that is the fact that people who normally would not break rules start breaking them because they think that they can get away with it. A few small rules may not seem like a big deal, but if there are many people violating the small rules it can become very problematic.
The broken window theory is important to schools because it sets the standard for what the establishment expects from its employees and its students. Some rules that may seem a little bit ridiculous set the bar for what people should be doing. In a school like Elk County Catholic discipline is a priority. It is something that sets the school apart from others in the area and it is something that everyone who is involved with the school can take pride in. Rowdy students that break small rules will eventually be causing bigger issues. For example, if students begin to push in the lunch line that is not a big deal, but if they end up hurting someone that turns into something serious that the school could have avoided.
The theory is controversial because of the trivial rules that go along with it. People get angry when they see frivolous rules in place, but they do not always see the big picture. Although the theory can cause some tension between teachers and students, it is a good thing to keep in effect because it keeps the atmosphere good for learning. Even though there are some ridiculous rules to follow, people have to understand that they have all been set in place for a good reason that they may not see.
Rules need to be addressed as soon as people break them so that people understand that they can not be violated. The broken window theory is a very useful tool when trying to control groups of people. Cities, schools and other groups should take the theory into consideration. It can help cut back on small issues which could eventually lead into bigger more problematic issues.
Zachary,
DeleteI think that you are completely right that when people see one person breaking a rule they "follow the crowd" and break the same rule because it seems okay too. I think your blog was really good! Great work!
The broken window theory is a theory that states "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." This relies on the idea that if you can maintain the order, you can avoid chaos. This theory can be very good in practice, especially in an area like Elk County Catholic where we have a small number of students. In areas with a high population count, like a city, this would not work very well due to people not caring about others and the naturally large crime rate.
ReplyDeleteI don't think this theory really works in practice due to the criminal mindset. In an area characterized with little or no crime, criminals are probably not getting caught. Crime still occurs. This wouldn't stop someone from committing an illegal act. They would most likely think that the police just do a bad job. There are other factors that influence crime, not just physical disorder. For example, someone wouldn't commit murder because there is vandalism in their area. These other factors are more influential than other people committing crimes. In addition people have done studies about reducing crime using the broken window theory. Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner argue that the broken window theory does not reduce crime. They decided that the drop in crime in New York was caused because there were less criminals. According to Steven D. Levitt, there are less criminals now because of the legalization of abortion. The number of people in younger generations is smaller because many babies are being aborted, and the smaller generation means that there are less potential criminals being born.
In a school where it seems that no one is breaking the rules, I would just think that the people breaking the rules do a good job of hiding it or the teachers do a bad job of catching these individuals. In a school I especially don't think that the broken window theory would work in a school environment due to the natures of a school. There are always people who break the rules and never do as they are told, every school has these individuals. Even when they are caught, these people don't really care and will continue to break the rules. However, with more infractions more people will be caught. Most people tend to follow the crowd, and because of this, most people will follow the rules because the "crowd" will be following the rules.
Zac,
DeleteI love your first sentence in the second paragraph. By reading your blog I have altered my opinion of things I was thinking. Great last sentence.
The broken window theory helps reduce chaos, not crime. You really emphasized that crime is committed for other reasons then the broken window theory. Also, that people tend to follow the crowd and that's one of the biggest reason for people breaking rules. Abortion is making the crime rate go do, unless of course you view abortion as a crime. Most criminals are not born, but rather something happens to them that turns them evil and insane.
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ReplyDeleteThe Broken Window Theory
ReplyDeleteThere are always going to be people that do not follow dumb rules. While growing up it always seemed that my parents were yelling at me just for the sake of yelling. The broken the window theory is essentially stating that yelling for no reason will get you the end result of listening and actually following the rules. In a way this is right. All of the dumb rules that I learned while growing up made me trust my superiors. I think the example of the police officers walking around is an amazing example. If you see a police officer walking around or know that they are in the area people are not going to do things illegal. While driving people know where the police officers hide and reduce their speed while going around those areas. Although it does not prevent them from speeding altogether it does make them more cautious around those areas, those areas are usually going into a city or town which keeps people safe. This is another example of the broken window theory and how it is helping. I think the idea is a great one however it will not be successful unless there is a way to enforce it all the time.
In our school in particular I do not think that the broken window theory is enforced or used at all. We have all of these little rules and no one is enforcing any of them. We are not learning to be disciplined because no one makes us. At the same time we as students know all the little rules and many do not care if they get yelled at for the little things because you can not get into a lot of trouble for wearing a polo to school. In the video the man in the Army talks about how if they do one thing wrong they have to follow a new "dumb" rule. If they do another thing wrong then they must follow yet another "dumb" rule. The dumb rules keep adding on and making the punishment worse and worse until they learn their lesson and no longer do that. I think that our equivalent of this is detention, they keep adding on hours. Is serving the detention that bad though? It does not keep students from breaking those silly rules so I think that is the biggest flaw in our schools broken window theory.
The theory itself could change our society however in order to do that it must start impacting the people breaking the rules in stronger ways. Having the example of no one doing something bad only goes so far when there is no direct disciplinary action to go along with it.
Makenzie,
DeleteYou gave good examples of when people slow down because they are speeding. I'm glad you said "little rules" because that is exactly what it is. Good job.
When I read this article I thought immediately of Ferguson, even though this article was from 1982. (If you do not know what this means Google it, please.) Michael Brown was shot by a white police officer, which was on foot at the time. The police officer was found guilty of killing this teen. The line, “hands up don’t shoot” came about; you might recall this from celebrities using these words or motions in songs, videos, or performances. (Proved to never have happened.) Unrest occurred in Ferguson, the National Guard was called in to calm the protestors; the town was destroyed. Since Ferguson, police have been viewed as terrible people in our society. “Above all, we must return to our long-abandoned view that the police ought to protect communities as well as individuals,” this view is destroyed by media and the American people. The role of the police officer is to do everything is his or her power to keep the citizens safe.
ReplyDeleteI honestly think the broken window theory is good. To me, the broken window theory stops something small from turning into something large. It goes back and forth, the student who did an act wrong could find the punishment amusing or could change their view points and not do the same act again; it changes in each case. Problems could be even more acting out in the culprit. I think the broken window theory is controversial because of biasness, what was twisted in Ferguson for example.