Review Article

Evaluating the Behavior of Littering in Public Spaces within Different Theoretical Approaches

Volume: 3 Number: 2 July 24, 2026
EN TR

Evaluating the Behavior of Littering in Public Spaces within Different Theoretical Approaches

Abstract

Public spaces are an important resource for the continuity of community life. However, it should be borne in mind that this resource is not unlimited. While public spaces offer equal rights of use to the whole community, the responsibilities for the maintenance and protection of these areas do not constitute a direct legal obligation for individuals. This situation paves the way for the spread of behaviours that create disorder and pollution in public spaces, such as littering. Littering is a multidimensional phenomenon addressed differently across disciplines, which makes it difficult to evaluate existing studies within a holistic framework and to identify effective solutions. This study aims to develop a comprehensive conceptual framework by comparatively analysing how littering behaviour in public spaces is addressed within environmental criminology, vandalism, and environmental psychology. In doing so, the study synthesizes fragmented literature and clarifies the boundaries, focal points, and explanatory approaches of each discipline. Based on this synthesis, the study proposes an integrated perspective for defining littering behaviour in relation to physical environment, individual factors, and its legal status, and for developing more effective prevention strategies.

Keywords

littering, environmental criminology, vandalism, environmental psychology, public space

References

  1. Bates, E. (2013). Vandalism: A crime of place? (Unpublished doctoral thesis). The University of Edinburgh, Scotland.
  2. Bottoms, A. E., & Wiles, P. (2002). Environmental criminology. In M. Maguire, R. Morgan, & R. Reiner (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Criminology (pp. 620-656). Oxford, England: Oxford University Press.
  3. Branthingam, P. J., & Branthingam, P. L. (1981). The dimension of crime. In P. J. Branthingam & P. L. Branthingam (Eds.), Environmental Criminology (pp. 7-26). Beverly Hills: SAGE.
  4. Campbell, F. (2007). People who litter. ENCAMS Research Report.
  5. Cialdini, R., Reno, R. R., & Kallgren, C. A. (1990). A focus theory of normative conduct: Recycling the concept of norms to reduce littering in public places. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 58(6), 1015-1026. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.58.6.1015
  6. Cicerali, E. E., & Cicerali, L. K. (2016). Çevre ve suç: Şehir güvenliğini artırmada çevre psikolojisi yaklaşımı. Paper presented at Istanbul Security Conference TASAM. Retrieved from (PDF) Çevre ve suç: Şehir güvenliğini artırmada çevre psikoloji yaklaşımı (ENVIRONMENT AND PSYCHOLOGY: INCREASING URBAN SECURITY VIA INPUT FROM PSYCHOLOGY)
  7. Coffield, F. (1991). Vandalism and graffiti: The state of the art. London: Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.
  8. Cohen, L., & Felson, M. (1979). Social change and crime rate trends: A routine activity approach. American Sociological Review, 44, 588-608.
  9. Cohen, S. (1984). Sociological approaches to vandalism. In C. Levy-Leboyer (Ed.), Vandalism: Behaviour and motivations (pp.51-61). Amsterdam, New York: Elsevier Science Publishers.
  10. Costello, B. J., & Laub, J. H. (2020). Social control theory: The legacy of Travis Hirschi’s causes of delinquency. Annual Review of Criminology, 3(1), 21-41. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-criminol-011419-041527
APA
Kızılaslan, S. (2026). Evaluating the Behavior of Littering in Public Spaces within Different Theoretical Approaches. Livenarch+ Journal, 3(2), 174-192. https://doi.org/10.65775/livenarch.1869103
AMA
1.Kızılaslan S. Evaluating the Behavior of Littering in Public Spaces within Different Theoretical Approaches. LivenARCH+. 2026;3(2):174-192. doi:10.65775/livenarch.1869103
Chicago
Kızılaslan, Sinem. 2026. “Evaluating the Behavior of Littering in Public Spaces Within Different Theoretical Approaches”. Livenarch+ Journal 3 (2): 174-92. https://doi.org/10.65775/livenarch.1869103.
EndNote
Kızılaslan S (July 1, 2026) Evaluating the Behavior of Littering in Public Spaces within Different Theoretical Approaches. Livenarch+ Journal 3 2 174–192.
IEEE
[1]S. Kızılaslan, “Evaluating the Behavior of Littering in Public Spaces within Different Theoretical Approaches”, LivenARCH+, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 174–192, July 2026, doi: 10.65775/livenarch.1869103.
ISNAD
Kızılaslan, Sinem. “Evaluating the Behavior of Littering in Public Spaces Within Different Theoretical Approaches”. Livenarch+ Journal 3/2 (July 1, 2026): 174-192. https://doi.org/10.65775/livenarch.1869103.
JAMA
1.Kızılaslan S. Evaluating the Behavior of Littering in Public Spaces within Different Theoretical Approaches. LivenARCH+. 2026;3:174–192.
MLA
Kızılaslan, Sinem. “Evaluating the Behavior of Littering in Public Spaces Within Different Theoretical Approaches”. Livenarch+ Journal, vol. 3, no. 2, July 2026, pp. 174-92, doi:10.65775/livenarch.1869103.
Vancouver
1.Sinem Kızılaslan. Evaluating the Behavior of Littering in Public Spaces within Different Theoretical Approaches. LivenARCH+. 2026 Jul. 1;3(2):174-92. doi:10.65775/livenarch.1869103