A Southern African Perspective on Fundamental Criminology
An in-depth summary of Chapter 1 in the prescribed textbook from the University of Pretoria (Tuks) for KRM 110. The chapter consists of an introduction to criminology and crime.
Summary A Southern African Perspective on Fundamental Criminology - Chapter 9 (KRM110)
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University of Pretoria (UP)
Krm 110 (KRM110) (KRM110)
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KRM 110 Chapter 1
Crime and criminology
Focuses on the understanding as to why crime is so high in SA, its causes, the nature of
its impact and how to regulate it.
● Focus will be on:
○ The role of the media in affecting our perception of crime.
○ Values and norms about crime.
○ Serious crimes.
○ Legal definitions of crime.
○ Functions of criminologists.
○ Criminalisation vs decriminalisation.
○ Theoretical approaches to crime.
○ New developments in criminology.
The role of the media in affecting the perception of
crime
● Details of acts committed by criminals are highlighted on tv, radio, newspapers
and magazines.
● The more sensational the crime, the greater publicity.
○ The apprehension (arrest), sentencing and punishment of the criminal are
less sensational and not usually reported.
● There is also an impression that authorities are inefficient in their efforts to
control crime and criminals.
○ This makes the public feel insecure and fear crime as there may be no
justice.
○ People from SA do not feel free to move outdoors.
● How does violence and crime in the media affect the perception of crime?
, ○ Movies: Many movies about crime and criminals are viewed as heroes.
Viewers sympathise with criminals and admire the bravery of these
criminals (Eg. Robin Hood).
○ Music Lyrics: The music industry has a strong influence on the youth.
They get information about society, social and gender roles as well as
acceptable behaviour from music. (Sexual aggressiveness, skewed gender
role opinions and attitude towards authorities).
○ Violent video games: It is difficult to determine the impact of violent
video games. Some believe it has an influence on people while others
disagree with this stance.
Values and norms about crime
● Views on crime differ and are affected by different aspects.
○ Eg. Racial prejudice, cultural background and religious convictions.
● People have conflicting and subjective views on what is right and wrong and
what crime is or isn't.
● Double standards: Eg. some are opposed to abortion because they feel it may be
murder yet are in favour of abortion in a case of rape or demand the resurgence
of the death penalty.
○ Double standards make the definition, explanation and even prevention
of crime complex and difficult.
Crimes that are perceived as serious
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