Media

Question 1

Consumer spectacle

Answer 1

• media knows crime sells
• crime has become “infotainment” (almost disregarding the real aspect of it)

Question 2

Agenda setting

Answer 2

• media aware most people won’t further their research after seeing something on a “reliable” site so they can subtly push political agendas

Question 3

News values

Answer 3

Greer & reiner: news companies have capitalist intentions and want to make money from the criminogenic system

Question 4

Backwards law

Answer 4

• big and shocking crimes out on the news more so they appear to be more common
• Surette: the actual more common crimes (robbery etc) less glamorous for media —> people become less aware of these, which actually happen more frequently

Question 5

Hyperreality (baudrillard)

Answer 5

• media now so powerful it constructs reality instead of just commenting on it
• media socially constructs crime
• people have become desensitised to violent crime

Question 6

Social learning theory (bandura)

Answer 6

• media creates role models who kids begin to identify with
• with crime being glorified (rap, movies, making money) it looks cool and appealing to them —> bobo doll study shows how children are susceptible to adult behaviour and “role models”

Question 7

Criticisms of creating moral panics

Answer 7

• McRobbie & thornton: moral panics aren’t prevalent now due to 24/7 news (not sustainable in people’s mind)
• Hunt: due to globalisation there is not just one culture/values so it’s harder to whip up a moral panic that effects everyone