Read Item B below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 3

To evaluate sociological contributions to our understanding of the relationship between crime and the media, we can explore several key concepts:

Distorted Portrayal of Crime

The media often presents a sensationalized and distorted depiction of crime, which can contribute to public misconceptions. This portrayal can lead to a heightened fear of crime, causing moral panics, where the public and authorities react to a perceived threat disproportionately.

Relative Deprivation

As highlighted in Item B, the media can create a sense of relative deprivation. This term refers to the perception that one is worse off than others, which can lead to feelings of frustration and potentially result in criminal behavior. Research indicates that exposure to media that emphasizes wealth and success can exacerbate feelings of envy, driving some individuals to commit crimes.

Moral Panics

Moral panics serve as a significant sociological lens through which to examine the media's role in crime. The media often amplifies certain issues to the point where they become viewed as societal crises. Examples include panics regarding youth violence or drug abuse. Sociologists like Cohen have analyzed how such panics arise and their implications for law enforcement and policy-making.

New Media and Crime Opportunities

The advent of new media has transformed crime dynamics. While it can provide platforms for criminal activities, such as cybercrime, it also serves as a tool for policing. Platforms allow law enforcement to monitor activities and gather intelligence. This duality underscores the complex relationship between crime and the media—a relationship ripe for sociological exploration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the media's portrayal of crime significantly influences public perception and policy responses. The sociological contributions in understanding this relationship reveal a multi-faceted impact of media on both crime occurrence and societal reactions. By examining these aspects, we better grasp how media representations shape our understanding of crime.