Nov 72 min read

What Does the Broken Windows Theory Tell Us About Our Lives?

In our daily lives, the small negligences or mistakes we make are actually thought-

It can have much bigger effects than we think. This will help us understand the situation.

there is a theory:

Broken Windows Theory: A theory developed by American criminal psychologist Philip Zimbardo in 1969.

This theory, which emerged from a study conducted by the

and the same applies to our individual relationships.

Zimbardo leaves two cars with no license plates in two different neighborhoods; one is elite and the crime rate is low.

in a wealthy neighborhood, and the other in a lower-income, high-crime neighborhood.

Strangely enough, the cars sit for weeks without any harm happening to them. However,

When he tasks the group with vandalizing the car, the results are astonishing: The first glass is broken

When the people around start to participate in this destruction process, the elite or night-

Regardless of the neighborhood, the damage to both cars increases.

So, what does this experiment tell us? According to Zimbardo's findings, any

When destructive action is initiated, people, regardless of their social or cultural background,

tends to continue this behavior.

The Broken Windows Theory does not only address the order of our streets or the stability of our buildings.

It is not about the person; it affects our social relationships, even our family ties. For example,

When we criticize and humiliate our own children in public,

and the courage to harm him/her increases. We express our anger towards our spouse harshly-

When we treat someone harshly, we pave the way for others to act cruelly towards us.

The same goes for ourselves. If we undermine our own self-esteem and

If we underestimate ourselves, people around us will take strength from this attitude and become more

will not hesitate to cause heavy damage.

1This theory actually teaches us a great lesson about valuing our lives.

Adopting a constructive and empathetic attitude in our relationships with our loved ones,

It is very important to show respect to them even when criticizing them. Do not criticize their mistakes in a harmful way.

not; we can express it in a guiding, restorative way.

In this way, we protect both our loved ones and ourselves. Remember-

Let's say that everything that is not taken care of and cared for will be damaged and destroyed over time.

is doomed to be destroyed by those in it.

The Broken Windows Theory reminds us that if we look at the “glasses” in our own lives,

If we do not protect them, others are more than happy to break them. That is why,

and by adopting a restorative attitude in our inner world, both for ourselves and our loved ones-

We can create a healthier environment for ourselves.

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