Students’ subjective assessment of vandalism: security issues

Introduction. The relevance of this study stems from the increased vulnerability of student youth, as a social group, to environmental risks. Vandalism of urban spaces can significantly affect individuals’ subjective sense of safety; however, this phenomenon remains insufficiently researched. Aim. The present study aims to examine the perception and evaluation of vandalism in the urban environment from the perspective of student youth, taking into account their experiences of safety within a metropolitan context. Methodology and research methods. The study was conducted using a sociological questionnaire developed by the authors, comprising sections designed to assess social well-being, a multidimensional evaluation of safety (physical, psychological, and social), perceptions of vandalism, and socio-demographic characteristics. The sample consisted of 807 respondents aged between 14 and 35 years (mean age 18.48 years), all of whom were students at colleges and universities. Data were analysed using JASP version 0.96.0, employing descriptive statistics, frequency analysis, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Student’s t-test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results. It was found that 88% of student youth hold a negative or nuanced attitude towards vandalism, while 12% display tolerant attitudes. A consistent pattern emerged: an increase in tolerance towards vandalistic behaviour is associated with a statistically significant decrease in perceptions of both the physical and social safety of the urban environment. Pronounced gender differences were observed: girls identify a broader range of phenomena as vandalism and perceive them more acutely as threats ( p ≤ 0.01). Correlation analysis revealed two patterns of relationships: destructive forms of vandalism (such as broken windows and damaged infrastructure) correlate negatively with safety indicators, whereas instrumental acts of vandalism (such as worn footpaths and passages through fences) correlate positively with illumination and the sense of social community. Scientific novelty. For the first time in a Russian youth sample, the differentiated structure of the perception of vandalism in the context of safety has been empirically validated. This study broadens the theoretical understanding of the heterogeneous impact of various forms of vandalism (destructive, instrumental, symbolic) on subjective safety assessments, refining and supplementing the classic “broken windows” theory with the proposition that functional, adaptive disorder may be perceived by the community as an acceptable practice, which does not diminish – and in some respects enhances – the sense of comfort and community. Practical significance. The results of the study can inform the development of strategies to enhance the safety of urban environments, specifically targeting student populations, including those in university towns and on campuses. The identified patterns enable the prioritisation of managerial decisions: the prompt remediation of the effects of destructive vandalism (such as broken windows and damaged bus stops), the regulation of the semiotic environment (removal of aggressive and unlawful content), and the legitimisation of adaptive environmental changes requested by young people through community dialogue.