This HEW study finds that only about eight percent of all school administrators report serious problems. Most administrators believe that problems of violence and vandalism, which increased during the sixties and seventies, have leveled off during the last five years. (Author)

It has been assumed that schools play a dramatic role in creating school crime. This paper, by using ethnographic data, demonstrates the inter-relationships among administrative styles, deterrence, commitment, and disruption. It appears that legitimacy of rules even within a school's bureaucracy needs to be developed through negotiating order with…

Presents a critique of the HEW Safe School Study Report, including various methodological problems. Suggests that only the broad findings are trustworthy and recommends specific legislation designed to combat the vandalism problem. (Author/HLM)

An aesthetic theory of vandalism is proposed, which posits that variables accounting for the enjoyment associated with socially acceptable aesthetic experiences are similarly responsible for the pleasure associated with acts of destruction. Several studies provide support for hypotheses derived from the aesthetic theory of vandalism. (Author)

Proposes that the state of enjoyment occurs when a person is challenged at a level matched to his level of skills. Disruption of classes, vandalism, and violence in schools are, in part, attempts by adolescents to obtain enjoyment in otherwise lifeless schools. (Author)

Examines research on crime, fear of crime and victimization in the school and community. Suggests that crime and fear of crime should be viewed in a community context since high-crime schools tend to be in high-crime neighborhoods with a higher fear level. (JAC)