AC1.5
Immy Davies
Moral panic including the deviancy amplification spiral
Moral panic is an over exaggerated and irrational reaction by the public to a
perceived problem, for example when the media identify an individual or
threat to society and exaggerate the threat through sensationalised
reporting and in turn making the risk of becoming a victim appear higher
than it is. The negative effects this has on the public is thinking the issue is
worse than it actually is, in turn creating fear and worry about becoming a
victim. However, this can influence people to have increased vigilance for
certain crimes, making them safer. Other negative effects on the public
moral panic may create is producing negative stereotypes on particular
groups in society, as well as perpetuating further crime or deviance, known
as the deviancy amplification spiral, when levels of deviancy and crime can
increase due to societal reactions of deviance. A positive effect moral panic
may have on the public is having a severe reaction that leads to people
getting involved, therefore possibly helping to create change. A case that
showcases moral panic is the columbine massacre, the blame was placed on
goth music creators, such as Marylin Mason, after the ABC news program
explored that the shooters listened to goth music. This portrayed goth
culture as promoting moral corruption.
Stereotyping of criminals
Stereotyping is oversimplifying or labelling an individual or group of people.
A positive effect stereotyping has on the public is to quickly link information
and make decisions based on past experiences, serving as a shortcut
allowing individuals to make social interaction easier in certain scenarios.
However, a negative of stereotyping is social divisions and reinforcing
already existing inequalities because of inaccurate perceptions of individuals
and groups which can promote prejudice and discrimination. Another
negative of stereotyping is limiting opportunities for those being
stereotyped, such as decreased employment and education chances. This is
shown in statistics between April 2018 and March 2019 when there was
375,588 stop and searches in England and Wales, there were 4 stop and
searches for every 1000 white people, in contrast with 38 for every 1000
black people, this shows targeting minority groups.
Levels of response to crime and type of punishment
Immy Davies
Moral panic including the deviancy amplification spiral
Moral panic is an over exaggerated and irrational reaction by the public to a
perceived problem, for example when the media identify an individual or
threat to society and exaggerate the threat through sensationalised
reporting and in turn making the risk of becoming a victim appear higher
than it is. The negative effects this has on the public is thinking the issue is
worse than it actually is, in turn creating fear and worry about becoming a
victim. However, this can influence people to have increased vigilance for
certain crimes, making them safer. Other negative effects on the public
moral panic may create is producing negative stereotypes on particular
groups in society, as well as perpetuating further crime or deviance, known
as the deviancy amplification spiral, when levels of deviancy and crime can
increase due to societal reactions of deviance. A positive effect moral panic
may have on the public is having a severe reaction that leads to people
getting involved, therefore possibly helping to create change. A case that
showcases moral panic is the columbine massacre, the blame was placed on
goth music creators, such as Marylin Mason, after the ABC news program
explored that the shooters listened to goth music. This portrayed goth
culture as promoting moral corruption.
Stereotyping of criminals
Stereotyping is oversimplifying or labelling an individual or group of people.
A positive effect stereotyping has on the public is to quickly link information
and make decisions based on past experiences, serving as a shortcut
allowing individuals to make social interaction easier in certain scenarios.
However, a negative of stereotyping is social divisions and reinforcing
already existing inequalities because of inaccurate perceptions of individuals
and groups which can promote prejudice and discrimination. Another
negative of stereotyping is limiting opportunities for those being
stereotyped, such as decreased employment and education chances. This is
shown in statistics between April 2018 and March 2019 when there was
375,588 stop and searches in England and Wales, there were 4 stop and
searches for every 1000 white people, in contrast with 38 for every 1000
black people, this shows targeting minority groups.
Levels of response to crime and type of punishment
