The role of the media

Introduction to the Role of Media in Crime and Deviance

The media, comprising of television, newspapers, radio, films, social media, and more, play a major role in shaping society’s understanding of crime and deviance.
Media provides society with information about events and occurrences, which includes stories about crime and deviance. Through this, it has the power to shape public perceptions of what constitutes crime and deviance.

Media in Crime Representation

The media’s representation of crime often differs drastically from actual crime statistics. High profile or violent crimes, such as murder or terrorism, are over-reported in comparison to less sensational crimes.
This skewed representation, popularly known as media dramatisation, can distort the public’s understanding of the prevalence and types of crime in reality.
The use of moral panics, a feeling of fear spread among many people that some evil threatens the well-being of society, is an influential tool the media uses to scare the public about certain forms of deviance or crime.

Media and Stereotyping

The media frequently use stereotypes when presenting stories about crime, contributing to prejudiced and distorted perceptions of certain social groups.
This stereotyping may be based on race, gender, social class, or other social factors. For example, the media over-represents black and ethnic minorities, especially young males, as criminals, contributing to racial profiling.
These stereotypes can contribute to a self-fulfilling prophecy, where individuals who are labelled in a certain way behave in conformity with that label.

Media Influence on Social Control and Policy

Media portrayals of crime can influence social control policies. If people perceive crime as a significant social problem because of media coverage, they are more likely to support stringent control measures.
The media also play a role in agenda setting, emphasizing the salience of certain crime issues, thereby influencing public opinion and shaping policy choices.

Media and the Fear of Crime

Media’s portrayal of crime, particularly violent and sensational crimes, can lead to an exaggerated fear of crime among the public. This fear can, in turn, influence a person’s behaviour and lifestyle choices, affecting social interaction and community cohesion.
It’s also important to note the media’s influence on what David Garland termed the ‘high crime society’; a society that has grown used to high levels of crime yet remains afraid of it.

Conclusion

The media’s portrayal of crime and deviance has significant implications for how crime and deviance are understood and treated in society.
Their representations, though not always accurate, can shape public perceptions, influence policies, and create societal fear. Therefore, it is important to critically analyse the media’s role in the social construction of crime and deviance.