IndexBreaking Down Broken Windows TheoryBroken Windows Theory in PracticeConclusionCriminal sociology, commonly called the sociology of crime, refers to the study of the creation, violation, and enforcement of criminal laws. As such, the sole purpose of criminal sociology is to critically understand and empirically develop by testing the different proposed theories that explain criminal behavior, the formation of enforcement laws, and the functioning of criminal justice systems existing in different countries. Modern criminology is rooted and founded on the basic principles proposed in the writings of philosophers who examine coexistence within society. Of interest therefore were the reasons behind those who wanted more and were influential in the community, taken from the less powerful members of the community. The question under consideration in those formative years therefore focused on how it was possible for members of society to live together. Today, criminologists are concerned with providing answers to the same fundamental question of harmonious coexistence within the community. The broken windows theory is a criminological theory that suggests visible signs of crime, antisocial behavior, and civil disorder create an urban environment that encourages further crime and disorder, including serious crime. The theory suggests that policing methods that target minor crimes such as vandalism, public drinking, and fare evasion help create an atmosphere of order and lawfulness, thus preventing more serious crimes. This research paper aims to discuss why the broken windows theory is best suited to offering explanations as to why individuals commit crimes. Furthermore, the researcher seeks to highlight the possible flaws and flaws of the theory, as well as how the approach can be applied to understand the criminal behavior of society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Breaking Down the Broken Windows Theory A theory is a system of ideas with the intention of explaining something based on general principles independent of what is being examined. Therefore, it is important to note that theories generally contain assumptions, suppositions, and accepted facts aimed at providing rational explanations of cause-effect relationships among a group of the observed phenomenon. The broken windows theory was developed by sociologists James Wilson and George Kelling in the 1980s. It states that “when low-level crimes such as vandalism (e.g., breaking windows of cars and buildings) are ignored, larger and more serious crimes will soon begin to occur.” For example, within the community, when one window is not repaired, it is very likely that this will lead to the rest of the windows breaking. Therefore, sociologists explain that window breaking does not necessarily happen because a certain area is inhabited by gangs and criminals. However, an unrepaired window signals that no one cares, thus attracting more windows that can be broken into. The above theory, after being tested, has produced a new norm of behavior in the community closely linked to criminal and antisocial behavior which leads people to adapt their normal behaviors accordingly. A decrease in the level of normality sets in motion a vicious circle that causes a neighborhood to gradually become more degraded and dangerous. Another example of how the broken window theory can be applied in society is that of a person who smokes cigarettes. If an individual smokes cigarettes on the sidewalk that appears relatively clean, it isvery likely he will keep the filter until he can find a garbage can and dispose of it. However, if in any case the street is covered with cigarette filters scattered on the ground, there will be no effort to look for a garbage can. As such, the smoker will toss the filter on the ground with others assuming the area is already dirty and there is no significant difference that the single cigarette filter will make. Simply put, what the theory suggests is that “if a broken window in a building is not repaired soon, immediately other windows will end up being destroyed by vandals. Why? Because the message that is conveyed is: this is of no interest to anyone here; it is abandoned." It is worth noting that littering the streets with cigarette butts is in no way a criminal offence. However, ethics can be compared to breaking the windows of a building just because one of the windows is already broken and no one seems interested in doing it, thus setting a new standard where such activities are highly tolerated. In any community, a broken window signifies a physical symbol that residents living in a particular locality do not particularly care about the environment and that low-level deviance is highly tolerated. Knowledge of the broken window theory influenced policy makers to a greater extent on both sides of the Atlantic and especially in New York in the 1990s. For example, in 1993, several policies based on the broken windows theory were introduced globally with the sole purpose of emphasizing and addressing crimes that negatively impact quality of life. As a result, all types of minor crimes, including but not limited to subway fare evasion, public drinking and urination, and graffiti, were dealt with harshly. In 2001, a study of crime trends revealed that both minor and cruel crimes had decreased significantly after the policies were implemented. Furthermore, it was determined that the level of crimes would decrease significantly in the next ten years. The adoption of zero-tolerance policing where the criminal justice system takes low-level crime and anti-social behavior seriously has led to a significant reduction in levels of deviance. Broken Window Theory in PracticeAccording to systematic research conducted by Braga, Welsh et al. Schnell in 2015, it was determined that disorder-focused policing strategies overall had a significant and modest impact on reducing all types of crime. The researchers concluded that such a positive result could be attributed to the success of place-based and problem-oriented approaches applied by police authorities. In contrast, the researchers argue that there was no significant overall impact of aggressive order maintenance strategies. As such, according to the researchers, the police were strategically able to reduce riot-related and non-riot-related crimes through the application of riot policing efforts. However, all the strategies mentioned above matter. Furthermore, according to the researchers, the broken window model applied to policing is relatively difficult to evaluate for several reasons. First, the only place the policy has been successful is within New York. However, in other agencies globally, the theory has been considered synonymous with zero-tolerance policing through which disorder is aggressively policed ​​while all other violations are fined or arrested. Furthermore, the broken window approach is more nuanced than zero tolerance allows, so apparently.