Alisa's neighborhood is usually quiet, but the local newspaper reported an increase in criminal activity there. One morning, Alisa found her garage vandalized and covered in paint and eggs. She did not have time to clean up the mess right away. Later that week, Alisa's neighbor found his car windshield shattered. What type of theorist would be the most likely to agree with the idea that a vandalized garage could lead to more crime?
A) broken windows
B) conflict
C) differential association
D) subcultural

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The broken windows theory suggests that visible signs of disorder and neglect, such as broken windows, lead to more serious crime as they signal to potential criminals that the area is in decline and law enforcement is weak. The vandalism of Alisa's garage and the shattered windshield of her neighbor's car are both examples of visible signs of disorder that could potentially attract more criminal activity. Therefore, the most likely theorist to agree with this idea is one who subscribes to the broken windows theory.

Alisa's Neighborhood Is Usually Quiet, but the Local Newspaper Reported