1.5 Impact of media on public view of crime Flashcards
What is a Moral Panic?
The idea that crime is socially constructed.
When did the ‘mods and rockers’ first clash?
Easter Bank Holiday
1964 in Clacton
How many people were estimated to be involved in the first mods and rockers clash?
Several hundred.
In what ways does media exaggerate crime?
- Exaggerate the damage and/or violence.
- Exaggerate scale of disturbances.
- Exaggerated and extreme terminology.
How does a moral panic work?
The media amplified the panic and adds to the drama; police also add to the drama.
Give an example of a moral panic that occurred in the 1980s.
- The breakout of HIV/AIDS
How did the media create a moral panic about HIV and AIDS in the 1980s?
By using exaggerated terminology and statistics:
- You could catch it from communion wine or communal baths.
- No known cure.
- People who had it were “infected”.
Give one example of crime that is recently being exaggerated and reported heavily by the media.
- Knife crime.
What are some positive impacts of a moral panic?
- Raises awareness.
- Encourages action to be taken.
- Brings people and communities together.
What are some negative impacts of a moral panic?
- Frightening (anxiety).
- People believe the exaggerated.
- Lose trust in media and police.
- People may believe that they are more likely to become victims.
What is deviancy amplification?
A process that is often performed by mass media where the extent and seriousness of deviant behavior is exaggerated.
What are some positive impacts of deviancy amplification?
- Can raise awareness
- Stronger action is taken
- May prevent more people committing crimes
What are some negative impacts of deviancy amplification?
- Amplifies stereotyping of certain groups
- Fear/Anxiety
- Fear of becoming a victim
- Mistrust in media/police
- Increased pressure on police
What percentage of adults believed that crime has risen in the past few years?
61%.
What types of crimes have in fact risen?
Violence and sexual offences.
