Read Item B below and answer the question that follows. Item B Much media output is devoted to crime but the media offer a distorted portrayal of crime and criminals. The media are also often seen as causing crime, for example by creating a sense of relative deprivation or causing moral panics. The new media also provide opportunities both for committing crime and for policing it. Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate sociological contributions to our understanding of the relationship between crime and the media.

A-Level AQA Sociology Crime and Deviance: Read Item B below and answer the

When evaluating sociological contributions to the relationship between crime and the media, it is essential to consider various theories and perspectives:

Moral Panics and Media Amplification: Sociologists like Cohen have highlighted how the media can create moral panics that exaggerate the threat of certain crimes. This can lead to societal reactions far exceeding the actual incidence of crime. For instance, the portrayal of youth gangs can invoke fears that lead to over-policing and stigmatization of certain groups.
The Role of Media in Crime Prevention: The media plays a significant role in crime prevention by raising awareness about crime trends and safety measures. Campaigns designed to educate the public can reduce crime rates by promoting preventive behaviors. Media portrayals can shift perceptions, prompting community action against crime.
Surveillance and Control: The item mentions surveillance as a means of controlling crime. Foucault's concept of the 'panopticon' illustrates how media surveillance can regulate behavior, allowing authorities to monitor citizens and deter potential criminals through the threat of being watched, thereby contributing to crime reduction.
Representation and Stereotyping: The way different demographics are portrayed in the media can reinforce stereotypes and influence public perceptions of crime. This can affect policing strategies, often targeting specific ethnic groups based on media narratives rather than actual crime statistics.
Social Constructivism: From a constructivist perspective, social realities are shaped by the media. The coverage of crime can influence people's perceptions about crime rates and fear of crime, leading potentially to real-world effects.

In sum, sociological contributions to understanding the relationship between crime and media encapsulate a range of perspectives from moral panic theory to the implications of surveillance and social representation. Each of these aspects aligns with the issues raised in Item B, illustrating the complex interplay between media portrayals and societal responses to crime.

Read Item B below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 4 - 2017 - Paper 3

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read Item B below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 4 - 2017 - Paper 3

Evaluate sociological contributions to our understanding of the relationship between crime and the media

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