LIT 7.1 - The diffusion of racist violence in the Netherlands: Discourse and distance braun Flashcards
What are the key findings of Braun?
Spread of racist violence in the Netherlands between 2001 and 2003
Key Findings:
●Racist violence tends to originate in large cities and then diffuse to neighbouring areas through local networks and to more distant locations via media coverage.
●The visibility and resonance of riots in the media significantly contribute to the spread of violence. Riots that receive media attention and align with ongoing public debates on immigration are more likely to be imitated elsewhere.
●Geographical proximity also plays a crucial role, suggesting the importance of local networks in disseminating information and legitimizing violence.
●Surprisingly, factors like ethnic competition, deprivation, and political opportunity structures are not strong predictors of where violence begins. Only population size is a consistent predictor.
What is the theory of diffusion used by Braun to study racist violence?
The theory of diffusion, as discussed in the sources, explains how social practices, ideas, or behaviours spread within a larger social system. It suggests that the decision to engage in a particular action, such as racist violence, is not solely determined by individual motivations or local conditions but is influenced by the actions of others in different locations. This implies that individuals are more likely to adopt a behaviour if they observe others, particularly those they perceive as similar or connected to them, engaging in that behaviour.
Diffusion is not simply a matter of blind imitation, but rather a process driven by the perceived legitimacy of the adopted behaviour. When individuals are uncertain about the appropriateness of a particular action, observing others engaging in that behaviour can provide information about its social acceptability and potential effectiveness. This is particularly relevant in situations where existing social norms are shifting or unclear, such as during periods of heightened social or political tension.
How does diffusion ephasize the role of imitation in the spread of social practices?
previous incidents of violence enhance the legitimacy of xenophobic violence as a means of expressing discontent with immigration policies. This legitimacy is further amplified by:
●Media visibility: Coverage of riots in the media increases their visibility and perceived efficacy, inspiring further action.
●Media resonance: When riots coincide with public debates on immigration, they gain further legitimacy and are more likely to be seen as an effective way to influence the political agenda.
What methodology does braun use to study racist violence?
Methodology:
The study utilizes event history models to analyse the outbreak of xenophobic violence in all 474 Dutch municipalities (“gemeenten”). This method allows for a nuanced examination of the temporal and spatial dynamics of violence, taking into account both time-varying and time-constant factors.
Data Sources:
●Data on the timing and location of racist violence incidents were obtained from the Anne Frank Stichting, a Dutch organization that monitors racism and extremism.
●Media data on the coverage of riots and public debates on immigration were collected from four major national newspapers.
What does Braun’s study highlight?
The study highlights the powerful role of the media in shaping and spreading racist violence. It suggests that media coverage and public discourse can contribute to the normalization and legitimization of violence, even in seemingly tolerant societies. This underscores the need for responsible media reporting and public dialogue on sensitive issues like immigration.
Overall, the study provides compelling evidence for the role of diffusion and media dynamics in the spread of racist violence, offering valuable insights for policymakers and researchers concerned with understanding and combating this complex social problem.
What are the key mechanisms of diffusion in relation to racist violence? Braun
1.Geographical Proximity and Local Networks:
○Ideas and behaviours spread more readily through geographically clustered networks. These networks can be interpersonal, organisational, or facilitated by the concentration of local media.
○The sources use geographical proximity as a proxy for the existence of these networks, hypothesizing that the closer a community is to a location where a particular behaviour has occurred, the more likely they are to adopt that behaviour themselves.
○This is based on the assumption that closer proximity implies stronger network ties and greater access to information about the behaviour in question.
2.
Mass Media and Discursive Opportunities:
○The mass media plays a crucial role in diffusing information about events and shaping public discourse. This can influence the perceived legitimacy and effectiveness of certain actions, particularly those that receive significant media attention.
○The sources conceptualise media coverage as a “discursive opportunity structure”, meaning that the media can create opportunities for certain ideas or behaviours to gain prominence and influence public opinion.
○Three key aspects of this discursive opportunity structure are highlighted:
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Visibility: The extent to which an event or behaviour is covered by the media, thereby increasing its awareness and potential for imitation.
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Resonance: The alignment of an event or behaviour with wider public debates and concerns, making it more likely to be perceived as relevant and important.
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Legitimacy: The degree to which an event or behaviour is framed positively or negatively in media coverage, influencing its social acceptability.
In the context of racist violence, the sources suggest that media coverage can significantly amplify the diffusion of this behaviour. Riots that receive media attention, particularly those that resonate with public anxieties about immigration, can normalise and legitimize violence, making it seem like a more acceptable and effective way to address grievances. This is because media visibility not only increases awareness but also suggests that the behaviour is considered newsworthy and potentially influential.
What are the limitations to studying police data for diffusion? Braun
limitations in using police data to study diffusion, as reporting rates can be influenced by media coverage and community attitudes. This suggests that media attention might not only reflect but also shape the patterns of violence observed in the data
