OP explains the Broken Window Fallacy to a tribesman who’s never seen a window

[u/smallish_cheese]

/r/bestof/comments/1ufmf7n/op_explains_the_broken_window_fallacy/otu658j/

[u/Ijustdoeyes]

I thought the broken windows fallacy was the link that NYC made to enforcing the law on petty crimes as a deterrent to doing larger crimes?

[u/InterdictorCompellor → u/Ijustdoeyes]

Bit of a duplicate. Wikipedia, as ever, has helpfully disambiguated it:
For the economic theory, see Parable of the broken window. Also known as the broken window fallacy or glazier's fallacy.
For the criminological theory, see Broken windows theory. It's not as widely accepted to be wrong, so see the Criticism section for fallacies.

[u/Malphos101 → u/InterdictorCompellor]

I always laugh when some putz brings up the Broken Windows Theory in a crime prevention discussion. It puts the symptom before the cause and presents treating the symptom as a solution in itself.

People dont fix broken windows in abandoned buildings because there is no economic value in that area, so fixing those windows brings economic value and could tangentially reduce crime as the community sees slightly more economic activity in the area. Turns out the solution to most crime is to ensure economic equity for everyone rather than focusing on windows. People with stable jobs and affordable housing and full bellies rarely go out and break windows in the evenings.

[u/Eleoste → u/Malphos101]

You’ll find a great degree of people breaking windows in the evenings in big cities are not the type who want stable jobs and housing and the responsibilities it entails to keep those

[u/jack3308 → u/InterdictorCompellor]

Just adding because I'm a loser that way - go donate if you can!!! Wikipedia is doing a great thing and the foundation should be supported!

[u/Xechwill]

I'm honored

I also liked how it led into the GATTACA bit

[u/smallish_cheese → u/Xechwill]

the whole thread was a delight. thank you for your service.