Heritage Vandalism: Psychological and Sociological Reasons


Authors : Alan C Dominic

Volume/Issue : Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 11 - November


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/5e8bdhya

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/4dkn7uc8

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24NOV951

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : Vandalism is the intentional destruction of public or private property, possessing a significant threat to heritage monuments. In Kerala, historical sites frequently suffer from acts such as scribbling, defacement and unscientific restoration, diminishing their aesthetic, historic and cultural significance. Beyond the physical damage, vandalism impacts cultural identity, community pride, and the socio-economic landscape by eroding the sense of this shared heritage. This paper explores the psychological and sociological reasons behind vandalism in built heritage, on the basis of survey conducted on the built heritage sites of Kerala. It also presents potential remedies, focusing on education, legislation, and community involvement to limit this destructive behaviour.

Keywords : Vandalism, Heritage Conservation, Built Heritage, Kerala, Psychology, Sociological Impact, Cultural Identity.

References :

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  3. Goldstein, A.P. 1996. The Psychology of Vandalism. 1st ed. Dymocks, Berlin, Germany: Springer Nature Customer Service Centre LLC.
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  7. Monto, M.A., Anderson, T.L. and Machalek, J. 2013. Boys doing art: the construction of outlaw masculinity in a Portland, Oregon, graffiti crew. Journal of Contemporary Ethnography. 42(3), pp.259–290.
  8. Namba, R. and Dustin, D. 1992. Towards New Definitions of Depreciative Behaviour and Vandalism. In H. H. Christensen, D. J. Johnson, & M. H. Brookes (Eds.), Vandalism: Research, prevention, and social policy. Seattle: US Dept. of Agriculture / Pacific Northwest Research Station and University of Washington.
  9. Patil, C.B. 2019. Protection of Cultural Heritage in Indian (With Special Reference to Illicit Trafficking) Problems and Prospects. In: Joint Conference: 52th IAS, 47th ISPQS, and 43th of History and Cultural Society. J P Joshi Memorial Lecture. Bengaluru: Archaeological Survey of India.

Vandalism is the intentional destruction of public or private property, possessing a significant threat to heritage monuments. In Kerala, historical sites frequently suffer from acts such as scribbling, defacement and unscientific restoration, diminishing their aesthetic, historic and cultural significance. Beyond the physical damage, vandalism impacts cultural identity, community pride, and the socio-economic landscape by eroding the sense of this shared heritage. This paper explores the psychological and sociological reasons behind vandalism in built heritage, on the basis of survey conducted on the built heritage sites of Kerala. It also presents potential remedies, focusing on education, legislation, and community involvement to limit this destructive behaviour.

Keywords : Vandalism, Heritage Conservation, Built Heritage, Kerala, Psychology, Sociological Impact, Cultural Identity.

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