Item AApplying material from Item A, analyse two ways that the media may contribute to an increase in crime.
AQA
A Level
2024
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Essay Outline: The Media and Crime
This essay will analyse two ways in which the media may contribute to an increase in crime, drawing upon the arguments presented in Item A.
Introduction
Introduction to the topic: Begin by defining the role of the media in society and its potential influence on individuals. Thesis statement: State your argument - that the media can contribute to an increase in crime through two key mechanisms:
- The cultivation of criminal role models: The media's tendency to portray glamorous criminals and their lifestyles can desensitise viewers and normalise criminal behaviour.
- The creation of moral panics and labelling: The media often exaggerates and amplifies certain criminal activities, leading to moral panics and the labelling of specific groups, which can ultimately increase crime rates.
Body Paragraph 1: Criminal Role Models
Topic sentence: The media's portrayal of criminal role models is a significant contributor to crime. Supporting evidence: Draw on Item A's point about role models with glamorous lifestyles. Discuss how media representations can create aspirations towards criminal activity. Provide examples of films, TV shows, or real-life figures that glamorise crime. Link to theory: Integrate sociological theories such as Differential Association (Sutherland) or Cultural Transmission (Cohen) to demonstrate how individuals learn criminal behaviour through social interactions, including media influence. Analysis: Explain the potential consequences of this exposure - desensitisation, normalisation of violence, and emulation of criminal behaviours. Evaluation: Acknowledge limitations - not everyone is susceptible to media influence, and other factors contribute to crime. However, argue that the media's influence can be influential, particularly for vulnerable individuals.
Body Paragraph 2: Moral Panics and Labelling
Topic sentence: The media's role in creating moral panics and labelling specific groups can amplify anxieties and increase crime. Supporting evidence: Refer to Item A's point about the media exaggerating events. Discuss how the media often focuses on specific groups, exaggerating their criminal activity and creating a sense of fear. Offer examples of moral panics (e.g., 'mugging' in the 1970s, 'youth crime' in recent years). Link to theory: Connect to the concepts of moral panics (Cohen) and labelling theory (Becker). Explain how labelling can lead to self-fulfilling prophecies and contribute to deviant behaviour. Analysis: Examine the impact of moral panics on social policy and law enforcement, potentially leading to harsher punishments and increased surveillance. Evaluation: Acknowledge that some crime reporting reflects reality, but the media's sensationalism and exaggerated portrayals can fuel anxieties and contribute to higher crime rates.
Conclusion
Restate thesis: Recap the two ways that the media contributes to crime: the cultivation of criminal role models and the creation of moral panics and labelling. Synthesis: Briefly reiterate the importance of understanding the media's influence on crime and the need for responsible media practices. Final statement: Conclude with a statement that acknowledges the media's complex role in society and the need for critical consideration of its potential impact.
**Remember to include relevant academic sources to support your arguments and ensure a strong structure with clear topic sentences and transitions between paragraphs.**The Media's Influence on Crime
Item A suggests that the media's portrayal of glamorous lifestyles and its tendency to exaggerate reporting may contribute to an increase in crime. This essay will analyze two ways in which the media potentially influences criminal behaviour: through the glorification of crime and by cultivating a climate of fear and anxiety.
Glorification of Crime and Criminal Role Models
The media, particularly television and film, often depict criminals as glamorous and powerful figures. Drug lords with lavish lifestyles, hackers who outsmart authorities, and even charismatic con artists can become cultural icons, particularly for younger audiences. Item A highlights the media's focus on "role models with glamorous lifestyles." This portrayal can normalize criminal behaviour and desensitize individuals, especially young people, to the consequences of crime.
Furthermore, the line between news and entertainment continues to blur. Sensationalized crime dramas and documentaries may present a skewed view of criminal activity, focusing on the excitement and rewards rather than the harsh realities. This can lead to a distorted perception of crime and potentially inspire copycat behaviour, particularly among those seeking similar lifestyles or notoriety.
Cultivating Fear and Anxiety
Item A also points to the media's tendency to "exaggerate the reporting of events." This can contribute to moral panics, where particular crimes or groups are portrayed as significant threats, often disproportionate to their actual prevalence. For example, sensationalized reporting on youth crime can lead to the public perceiving young people as inherently dangerous, even if statistics do not support this view.
This exaggeration and amplification of crime can create a climate of fear and anxiety within society. When people feel unsafe, they may be more likely to take actions they believe will protect themselves, even if those actions are illegal. For instance, fear of crime might lead to individuals purchasing illegal weapons or engaging in vigilantism. This behaviour, while intended to increase safety, ironically contributes to the overall crime rate.
Conclusion
The media's influence on crime is complex and multifaceted. While not a direct cause of crime, the media's tendency to glamorize criminal lifestyles and its role in cultivating fear and anxiety can contribute to a social environment where criminal behavior is normalized, justified, or even encouraged. It is crucial to be media literate and to critically analyze the information presented, understanding that media portrayals are often constructed for entertainment or to serve specific agendas, and do not always reflect the complex reality of crime and its causes.
Free Mark Scheme Extracts
The Media's Influence on Crime
The media often portray role models with glamorous lifestyles. The news also frequently exaggerates the reporting of events.
Two Ways the Media May Contribute to an Increase in Crime
The media may contribute to an increase in crime in several ways. Two prominent examples are:
Secondary Agent of Socialization
The media acts as a secondary agent of socialization where individuals may imitate criminal media role models. This can lead to desensitization towards violence and acceptance of it as normal.
Labelling and Moral Panics
The media contributes to labelling more powerless groups and creating moral panics that usually exaggerate and amplify the problem. This can lead to increased prejudice and discrimination against certain groups, ultimately contributing to higher crime rates.
Analysis and Evaluation
While the media's influence on crime is complex and multifaceted, the examples presented above highlight how media portrayals can contribute to a greater acceptance of criminal behavior and the creation of negative stereotypes that can fuel prejudice and discrimination. It is important to critically evaluate media content and understand its potential impact on societal norms and perceptions of crime.