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

•Broken windows theory posits that disorder signals a lack of control, which then inspires fear.•Studies find a disorder–fear link, but have not considered whether social processes mediate.•This study tests whether social cohesion and control affect the disorder–fear relationship.•Results confirm cohesion and control relate to fear, and dampen the disorder–fear link.•This supports a literal reading of broken windows, where disorder signals social breakdown.

PurposeBroken 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.MethodsHierarchical linear models and structural equation models test four hypotheses regarding whether social cohesion and expectations for social control mediate the disorder–fear relationship.ResultsResults support partial mediation.ConclusionResults suggest confirmation of a portion of broken windows theory, in that disorder may inspire fear partially as a result of its detrimental impact on neighborhood cohesion and shared expectations for social control.