Representation of value and meaning in the structure of vandalism: an empirical study

In: Vestnik of Kostroma State University. Series: Pedagogy. Psychology. Sociokinetics, Band 26, Heft 4, S. 80-85

Abstract

The article is devoted to predicting and preventing urban vandalism. In the article described current state of research on structure of vandalism – motives, attitudes, ideas. It is shown that the activity approach can serve as a theoretical basis for study of the internal plan of vandal actions. On its basis, a theoretical model is determined, including the motive of vandalism and the ideas that regulate its implementation. These are the subjective value of vandal action and value that subject attaches to vandal action. The organisation, procedure and results of empirical research are described. Using a sample of young people living in 106 Russian cities (n = 650 people), we study the relationship between subjective ideas about the ability to commit a vandal act, its motives, attributed value and meaning. The results show that there is a conjugate effect of these representations on subjective ability to behave like a vandal. Their interpretation shows the presence of opposite approaches to the assessment of vandalism – from rejection to acceptance.