A.C 1.5 : impact of media representations on the public perception of crime Flashcards
What is moral panic?
Moral panic was coined by Stanley Cohen which is a person or an event which threatens society’s norms and value. This is often fear which is irrational created by media. Cohen defines it as an exaggerated overreaction from society to a perceived problem , which it starts as the media calling a group as “folk devil” with sensationalised reporting.
What is an example of moral panic?
Mods and Rockers were two groups that were bored started to throw stones at each other , they separated out into mods and rockers. The most serious crimes that happened was that windows and some beach huts were broken. The media sensationalised the headlines the following day which changed the events and other people joined in. only 60 people were arrested but 12 were prosecuted with a fine of £243. This started as a moral panic due to the exaggeration and distortion of media which predicted it would the ordeal would further occur. The symbolism of M&R’s were labelled negatively.
What is deviance amplification spiral?
Deviance Amplification Spiral or Self-fulfilling Prophecy was coined by Leslie Wilkins, which is when authorities try to control deviant groups, however it leads to more deviance ( you become the label you were given). Wilkins argued that the media can produce a deviance amplification spiral which leads to more attempt at control and more deviance.
How are changing public concerns and attitudes about crime linked to media representation?
Knife Crime is being reported more which is causing more public concern as people are carrying knives to protect themselves which may be because of the moral panic. For example, Jhus a grime artist was jailed for 8 months since he was carrying a knife as his friend had been previously stabbed and he was a victim year ago.
How media can influence our perception of crime trends ?
According to the Crime Survey England and Wales 72% of people thought had it had gone up and 43% thought it had gone up locally . In general, this shows their perceptions of crime on a national level don’t match reality according to the 2021 Census. This is as we rely on the media for news which cover a lot of ‘bad news’. The sensationalised media causes a fear of crime and fear of becoming a victim.
How do moral panics affect government policies?
Sarah Payne was kidnapped and murdered in 2000. After the finding of her body her parents campaigned with the News of The World for making laws on sex offenders. It is known as Sarah’s law as her murder was previously convicted for being a child sex offender. It aimed to allow people access to sex offender registry and the introduction of the IPP sentence in the Criminal Justice Act 2003.
The Soham Murders is the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman who were 10 years old in which Ian Huntley lured them into his home and murdered them. The Safeguarding Groups Act 2006 was set up following the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in which it prevents people who cannot work with children from gaining access to children through their work.
How media representations of crime impact on our level of response to crime and types of punishment?
in the 2011 riots the Youth Court gave custodial sentences to 32% compared to the 5% which were convicted for similar offences in 2010. Furthermore , in the Magistrates Court average sentences were about 3 times as long compared to 2010. Additionally , the Crown Court convicted 82% compared 33% in 2010 in which they went to jail. It was said that the courts may have gotten caught up “kind of collective hysteria and actually go over the top and hand out sentences which are too long and too harsh’.
