LIT 6.3 Reflections on why riots don’t happen NEWBURN

Question 1

What is David Waddington’s Flashpoint model.

Answer 1

Flashpoint Model Overview
The Flashpoint Model, developed by David Waddington and colleagues in the late 1980s, is a framework used to understand how minor incidents can escalate into widespread public disorder or riots.

The model focuses on the interaction between police and crowds, and how miscommunication, aggressive policing, or misunderstandings can lead to a rapid escalation of tensions.

Key Components
 Structural-material
 Political
 Cultural
 Contextual
 Situational and interactional
 Flashpoints: symbolic moments that provide meaning to the riot, set against its spatial and social context

The flashpoint model does not indicate when and where public disorder appears, and when and where not

Question 2

What are the levels of analysis in the Waddington’s flashpoint model?

Answer 2

structural, political/ideological, cultural, contextual, situational, and interactional.

Question 3

What methodology did newburn use to study what prevents riot’s from happening?

Answer 3

The sources detail the methodology used in the study “Reflections on why riots don’t happen”. This research used a qualitative methodology, specifically relying on semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis.

Utilises Two Analytical Frameworks: The analysis combined Waddington’s “flashpoints model” and Reicher’s “social identity model”

Question 4

Why didnt riots happen in Leeds and Bristol?

Answer 4

Political/Ideological: In Leeds, community representatives noted that government and local council investments in Chapeltown provided opportunities and resources for young people, potentially reducing motivations for rioting. Additionally, the council’s efforts to facilitate community dialogue and provide avenues for expressing grievances through peaceful marches may have contributed to the peaceful outcome.

Contextual: In Bristol, the experience of the ‘Tesco riot’ earlier in 2011 allowed local services, including the police, to prepare for potential disorder. The incident also led to the implementation of significant sentences for those involved, potentially acting as a deterrent during the August 2011 events

Situational: Factors like the layout of retail outlets, location of poorer estates, and their distance from city centres may have also played a role. For example, the absence of certain stores perceived as exploitative by young people in Chapeltown may have limited potential targets for looting. In Bristol, the geographic distance of some disadvantaged estates from the city centre and the police’s ability to predict and protect routes to the city centre may have helped prevent large-scale disorder.

Question 5

What is the importance of interaction of police and protesters/rioters?

Answer 5

Drawing on Reicher’s (1984) social identity model, the author highlights several principles of successful public order policing: understanding cultural norms, facilitating legitimate forms of conduct, communicating police intentions, differentiating between groups within crowds, and avoiding indiscriminate use of force.

In Chapeltown (Leeds), trusted community leaders, who had pre-existing relationships with the police, successfully persuaded officers to hold back riot police and allow them time to de-escalate tensions. This collaborative approach, built on trust and communication, helped prevent potential violence from escalating.

Similarly, in Bristol, the police adopted a flexible but firm approach, balancing a low-key presence with a show of resolve when necessary. This approach was perceived as even-handed and helped maintain order without exacerbating tensions. Community activists also played a vital role in dissuading young people from participating in potentially destructive activities.

Question 6

What does newburn conclude on preventing rioting?

Answer 6

The study concludes that while structural and cultural factors can make certain areas susceptible to rioting, the interactional dynamics between the police and the community play a critical role in determining the outcome. A flexible and communicative police approach, combined with the active involvement of trusted community members, can significantly mitigate the risk of disorder