These are notes on the different impacts of media representations on crime. They are useful for the controlled assessment first year students will take.
Perception – This is how people perceive something to be. It means the public’s
understanding of crime. This may be different to the factual reality of crime but if
the public come across a number of negative articles making out that crime is
constant.
Impact – The way in which people are affected by what they see or hear. Certain
headlines or stories could have a positive or negative impact on the individual.
Moral Panic
The media representations of crime may cause more crime by creating moral
panic. Developed by Stanley Cohen, moral panic is an exaggerated and irrational
over-reaction by society. The impact of moral panic is to make the public think
the issue is much worse than it is in reality.
Changing Public Concerns and Attitudes
Over time, the public have been concerned about different types of crime (Mods
and Rockers in the 30s). Recently terrorism has caused a high level of concern to
the public. The media reported a rise in knife crime and this caused alarm among
the public. The impact of changing concerns and attitudes reflects on the policing
and government priorities.
Perceptions of Crime Trends
Generally, the publics perceptions are that crime is on the rise. When the media
report a high volume of crime stories, it impacts on the public, giving them a
false belief about the amount of crime. The impact of the publics perception of
rising crime rate are anxiety and stress about being a victim of crime.
Stereotyping of Criminals
As a result of media reports, the public form stereotypes of criminals:
Young, lower-class men, often unemployed
From a rough neighbourhood
Poor education background
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