Crime and Media

A detailed Summary of Crime and Media

Against a backdrop of long term rising crime figures, rising prison population and more recently; the daily reporting of street crime, the common sense narrative for crime has evolved.

The public is reliant on the government to reduce crime levels, and are more or less powerless to enforce or change the law, apart from campaigns or direct action. With the daily reporting of street crime in the media, often sensationalised or simplified, readers may start to connect certain types of crimes with particular stereotypes or images. This is one of the traits of the phenomenon which has become known as a 'Moral Panic' a term first explored in print by Stanley Cohen, 1973, Folk Devils and Moral Panics, London, Paladin.

'Societies appear to be subject, every now and then, to periods of moral panic. A condition, episode person or group of persons emerges to become defined as a threat to societal values and interest; its nature is presented in a stylised and stereotypical fashion by the mass media.' (S. Cohen,1973.)

The beggar in the article was portrayed as a criminal and although technically he was, in a different article he could easily have been portrayed as a victim; a victim of social circumstances, and more specifically inadequate drug rehabilitation facilities within the community. This shows how the media select the 'angle' they take on a story and almost certainly have an agenda for the overall coverage of 'A Moral Panic.' The government has to be seen to be taking action in times of crisis. The need for this action increases with the amount of media coverage and pressure from certain groups or individuals that feel the need to demonstrate or campaign to the government for action to be taken. Another similar crime gives the opportunity for the press/television to satisfy the demand of the public, with another report (adhering to similar/certain criteria), public awareness is raised further and the likelihood of the government being asked to make a statement/ take action / change the law is raised. This series of events represents the fi

Some common words found in the essay are:
London Paladin, Moral Panic', United Kingdom, Crime Media, 'moral panic', Stanley Cohen, daily reporting street, moral panics london, Devils Moral, Panics London, Moral Panics, reporting street crime, sense narrative, change law, devils moral, common sense, common sense narrative, reporting street, devils moral panics, moral panics, panics london, london paladin, particular crime,

Approximate Word count = 700
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Miscellaneous

join now Save Paper

Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

Newest Essays

Testimonials

"Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
Jack M.
"With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
Brian P.
"I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
Sara J.
"I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
Rachel W.
"I love this site!!!"
Marie N.

Crime and Media

Related Essays

Professional Essays

Saved Paper

Newest Essays

Testimonials