Unit 1.5 Flashcards
Define Moral Panic?
Moral panic is the widespread fear of something/someone who is a threat to values. (Often irrational).
Give an example of Moral Panic?
One of the first moral panics was in the 1960’s with the medias portrayal of the Mods and Rockers.
One infamous title being ‘Wild ones invade seaside – 97 arrests. However, there were only 27 arrests.
Define Deviancy Amplification?
Deviancy amplification is a term given to a media hype phenomenon was increased reporting of anti-social behaviour or other ‘undesirable events’ which can lead to moral panic.
Give an example of Deviancy Amplicfication?
An example of this can be how in the 60s the rivalry between Mods and Rockers was ‘hyped up’ by the media which create a larger phenomenon around the issue.
Other, could be how the media handled the 2011 London riots, as many offenders were not aware of the riots until the media reported on it 24-hour broadcasts, amplifying the situation.
Define the Public perception of Crime Rates?
Public perception of crime can vary as people become more concerned with different types of crime.
Give an example of Public perception of crime rates?
More recently the threat of terrorism has been bought to the forefront of people’s minds. This was fuelled by attacks such as London, Manchester and Barcelona in 2017.
It was also found that young people’s wellbeing was affected by Crime concerns. The survey of 3000 10-17-year-olds found that 2 in 5 teenagers were worried about anti-social behaviour or other crimes.
What is meant by the stereotyping of criminals/young people?
Due to media reports, the public form stereotypes of criminals.
Give an example of stereotyping of criminals/young people?
An example of this in the UK could be the older members of society looking at young people as ‘hoodies’ and thugs. Or in the USA there is a clear stereotype/profiling of young black men.
What is meant by Levels of punishment in response to crime?
The media can have an impact on the level of response and punishments to certain crimes/events.
Give examples of levels of punishment in the response to crime?
The 2011 London Riots are an example of how punishments can vary as courts gave prison sentences 25% longer than normal to rioters.
56 defendants of the 80 already been sentenced by magistrates were given immediate prison terms. This 70% rate of imprisonment compares with a ‘normal’ rate of 2%
What is meant by the changing priorities and emphasis?
When certain major events occur/issues arise that draw more attention than other crimes
Give examples of the changing priorities and emphasis?
After the 9/11 attacks in 2001, it made a huge impact with new polices being made:
Counter Terrorism Act 2008 gives the police more power to take fingerprints and DNA samples
The Anti-terrorism Crime and Security Act 2001 allows the bank accounts to be frozen.
