crime and the media 12C&D Flashcards
What is the ‘law of opposites’ in crime fiction according to Surette?
- the concept highlights the differnces between fictional portrayals of crime and real world statistics
- Property crime is underrepresented, while violent and sex crimes are over-represented.
How do fictional murders typically differ from real-life murders?
Fictional murders are often the result of calculation and greed, while real-life murders are frequently due to fights or domestic disputes.
This distinction emphasizes the dramatization of crime in fiction.
Who are typically portrayed as perpetrators of fictional sex crimes?
Psychopathic strangers.
This portrayal contributes to stereotypes about sex offenders.
What is a common outcome for fictional police officers in crime stories?
They usually solve the case.
This reflects a narrative convenience often found in crime fiction.
How has recent media coverage changed the portrayal of offenders and police?
More recent media, especially reality shows or documentaries, may show a more realistic picture of the offenders and of the police.
This suggests a shift towards more nuanced representations of crime and law enforcement.
What is one way the media might cause crime and deviance?
Imitation/copycat
This refers to the tendency of individuals to replicate behaviors seen in media.
What effect does violent or sexual imagery in media have?
Arousal
This can lead to increased aggression or sexual behavior in some audiences.
What is desensitisation in the context of media and crime?
Reduced emotional response to violence or crime due to repeated exposure
This can result in a lack of empathy towards victims.
How can the media transmit knowledge of criminal techniques?
By depicting methods of crime in movies, shows, or news
This can inform potential criminals about how to commit offenses.
In what way can media serve as a target for crime?
By showcasing valuable items or vulnerable individuals
Criminals may target individuals or properties highlighted in media.
How does media stimulate desires for unaffordable goods?
By glamorising luxury lifestyles and products
This can lead to frustration and potential criminal behavior to obtain these goods.
What portrayal of police might the media contribute to crime and deviance?
Portraying the police as incompetent
This can undermine public trust in law enforcement.
What is one way the media glamorises offending?
By romanticizing or heroizing criminals in stories
This can influence audiences to view crime as desirable.
What do most studies find about the effects of media on audiences regarding crime?
At most a small or limited effect
This suggests that while media can influence behavior, the impact is often not as significant as some might believe.
What impact does media have on people’s impression of crime?
The media may distort people’s impression of crime and create an unrealistic fear of crime.
Which demographic groups generally fear crime the most?
Women and older people fear crime the most.
What did Schlesinger and Tumber (1992) find regarding media consumption and fear of crime?
They found a correlation between media consumption and fear of crime, with tabloid readers and TV users expressing greater fear of becoming a victim.
What types of crime did people express greater fear about according to Schlesinger and Tumber (1992)?
Fear of physical attack and mugging.
What is a possible explanation for the correlation found by Schlesinger and Tumber (1992)?
People who fear crime may stay in more and therefore watch TV more.
What do Greer and Reiner (2012) argue about ‘effects’ research on media?
They argue that it ignores the meanings that viewers give to media violence.
According to Greer and Reiner (2012), how might viewers interpret media violence differently?
Viewers may give different meanings to violence in cartoons, horror films, and news bulletins.
