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Revisiting broken windows theory: A test of the mediation impact of social mechanisms on the disorder–fear relationship

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  • Gau, Jacinta M.
  • Corsaro, Nicholas
  • Brunson, Rod K.

Abstract

Broken windows theory predicts that disorder signals a lack of neighborhood control, sparks fear of crime, and sets off a chain reaction ultimately resulting in crime. Support has been found for the disorder–fear link, but the present study argues that this link is actually intended to be indirect—perceived loss of control is what should cause fear.

Suggested Citation

  • Gau, Jacinta M. & Corsaro, Nicholas & Brunson, Rod K., 2014. "Revisiting broken windows theory: A test of the mediation impact of social mechanisms on the disorder–fear relationship," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 42(6), pages 579-588.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jcjust:v:42:y:2014:i:6:p:579-588
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2014.10.002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hinkle, Joshua C. & Yang, Sue-Ming, 2014. "A New Look into Broken Windows: What Shapes Individuals’ Perceptions of Social Disorder?," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 42(1), pages 26-35.
    2. Hinkle, Joshua C. & Weisburd, David, 2008. "The irony of broken windows policing: A micro-place study of the relationship between disorder, focused police crackdowns and fear of crime," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 36(6), pages 503-512, November.
    3. Reisig, Michael D. & Cancino, Jeffrey Michael, 2004. "Incivilities in nonmetropolitan communities: The effects of structural constraints, social conditions, and crime," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 32(1), pages 15-29.
    4. Scarborough, Brittney K. & Like-Haislip, Toya Z. & Novak, Kenneth J. & Lucas, Wayne L. & Alarid, Leanne F., 2010. "Assessing the relationship between individual characteristics, neighborhood context, and fear of crime," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 38(4), pages 819-826, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Carter, Travis M. & Wolfe, Scott E., 2021. "Explaining the relationship between neighborhood disorder and crime fear: The perceptual role of neighbors and the police," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    2. Walters, Glenn D. & Mandracchia, Jon T., 2017. "Testing criminological theory through causal mediation analysis: Current status and future directions," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 53-64.
    3. Oh, Gyeongseok & Ren, Ling & He, Phil, 2019. "Social disorder and residence-based fear of crime: The differential mediating effects of police effectiveness," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 1-11.

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