The Pen or the Sword: A Situated Spatial Analysis of Graffiti and Violent Injury in Vancouver, British Columbia
Walker B, Schuurman N (2015)
Publication Status: Published
Publication Type: Journal article, Original article
Publication year: 2015
Journal
Publisher: Routledge
Book Volume: 67
Pages Range: 608-619
Journal Issue: 4
DOI: 10.1080/00330124.2014.970843
Abstract
Graffiti is a ubiquitous feature of the urban landscape commonly perceived to be a symptom of disorder, deprivation, and violence. Broken windows theory asserts that it is also a cause. To examine this, we conduct a geographic correlation study of graffiti and violence using geographic information systems. A strong spatial covariation is observed, with spatially dependent residual clusters suggesting that the graffiti–violence relationship is context dependent and varied. Ferrell and Weide's spot theory provides a lens for situating hot spots and facilitating a more nuanced interrogation of graffiti and violence in several Vancouver neighborhoods. We advocate for situated spatial analyses of interpersonal violence to inform public health interventions and advance policymaking beyond the popular aesthetic symbolism of urban space.
Authors with CRIS profile
Involved external institutions
Canada (CA)How to cite
APA:
Walker, B., & Schuurman, N. (2015). The Pen or the Sword: A Situated Spatial Analysis of Graffiti and Violent Injury in Vancouver, British Columbia. Professional Geographer, 67(4), 608-619. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00330124.2014.970843
MLA:
Walker, Blake, and Nadine Schuurman. "The Pen or the Sword: A Situated Spatial Analysis of Graffiti and Violent Injury in Vancouver, British Columbia." Professional Geographer 67.4 (2015): 608-619.
BibTeX: Download