Broken Windows Theory of Deviance

Description: Broken Windows Theory of Deviance Quiz
Number of Questions: 10
Created by:
Tags: sociology deviance broken windows theory
Attempted 0/10 Correct 0 Score 0

Who proposed the Broken Windows Theory of Deviance?

  1. James Q. Wilson

  2. George Kelling

  3. Robert K. Merton

  4. Edwin H. Sutherland


Correct Option:
Explanation:

James Q. Wilson and George Kelling proposed the Broken Windows Theory of Deviance in their 1982 article, "Broken Windows."

What is the central idea of the Broken Windows Theory?

  1. Small signs of disorder and crime lead to more serious crimes.

  2. Broken windows are a sign of a community's decline.

  3. Increased police presence can prevent crime.

  4. Neighborhoods with strong social ties are less likely to experience crime.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Broken Windows Theory suggests that small signs of disorder and crime, such as broken windows, graffiti, and public drinking, can lead to more serious crimes, such as burglary, robbery, and assault.

What is the "broken windows" metaphor used to represent?

  1. Physical decay and neglect in a neighborhood.

  2. The idea that small crimes lead to more serious crimes.

  3. The belief that police presence can prevent crime.

  4. The importance of community involvement in crime prevention.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The "broken windows" metaphor is used to represent physical decay and neglect in a neighborhood, such as broken windows, graffiti, and abandoned buildings.

According to the Broken Windows Theory, what is the relationship between disorder and crime?

  1. Disorder causes crime.

  2. Crime causes disorder.

  3. Disorder and crime are unrelated.

  4. Disorder and crime are positively correlated.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Broken Windows Theory suggests that disorder and crime are positively correlated, meaning that an increase in disorder is associated with an increase in crime.

What is the "spiral of decay"?

  1. The process by which disorder leads to more serious crimes.

  2. The process by which crime leads to more disorder.

  3. The process by which neighborhoods decline over time.

  4. The process by which communities become more involved in crime prevention.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The "spiral of decay" is the process by which disorder leads to more serious crimes. According to the Broken Windows Theory, small signs of disorder, such as broken windows and graffiti, can lead to more serious crimes, such as burglary, robbery, and assault.

What is the role of the police in the Broken Windows Theory?

  1. To enforce order and prevent crime.

  2. To respond to crime after it has occurred.

  3. To work with the community to prevent crime.

  4. To provide social services to the community.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

According to the Broken Windows Theory, the police play a key role in enforcing order and preventing crime. By cracking down on small signs of disorder, such as broken windows and graffiti, the police can help to prevent more serious crimes from occurring.

What is the role of the community in the Broken Windows Theory?

  1. To report crime to the police.

  2. To work with the police to prevent crime.

  3. To clean up and maintain their neighborhoods.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

According to the Broken Windows Theory, the community plays a key role in preventing crime. By reporting crime to the police, working with the police to prevent crime, and cleaning up and maintaining their neighborhoods, community members can help to create a safe and orderly environment.

What are some criticisms of the Broken Windows Theory?

  1. It is based on a simplistic view of crime causation.

  2. It ignores the role of social and economic factors in crime.

  3. It is used to justify aggressive policing tactics.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Broken Windows Theory has been criticized for being based on a simplistic view of crime causation, ignoring the role of social and economic factors in crime, and being used to justify aggressive policing tactics.

What are some examples of successful applications of the Broken Windows Theory?

  1. The New York City Police Department's "Operation Clean Sweep."

  2. The Boston Police Department's "Operation Ceasefire."

  3. The Los Angeles Police Department's "Community-Oriented Policing Program."

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Broken Windows Theory has been successfully applied in a number of cities, including New York City, Boston, and Los Angeles. These programs have focused on cleaning up neighborhoods, enforcing order, and working with the community to prevent crime.

What is the legacy of the Broken Windows Theory?

  1. It has led to a decline in crime rates.

  2. It has improved the quality of life in cities.

  3. It has increased public trust in the police.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Broken Windows Theory has had a positive impact on crime rates, the quality of life in cities, and public trust in the police. It has been a valuable tool for law enforcement and community leaders in the fight against crime.

- Hide questions