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Criminology
11 Dec 2025
778
4 pages
Jessica Blackhurst @essicalackhurst_sbvp
Ever wondered how the media shapes what we think about crime? From sensationalised headlines to viral news stories,... Show more
Think about the last shocking crime story you saw on social media - chances are it made the problem seem way worse than it actually was. This is exactly what moral panic does to our society.
Stanley Cohen explained moral panic as society's completely over-the-top reaction to a problem that's been blown out of proportion. It starts when the media picks a group of people to be the folk devil - basically the villains threatening our way of life. They then use sensationalised reporting to make the issue seem massive.
The classic example is the mods and rockers clashes in the 1960s. When these two youth groups had some minor scuffles at the seaside, newspapers went mental with headlines like "Wild ones invade seaside 97 arrests" - when there were actually only 24 arrests! The media used three key tactics exaggerating numbers, predicting more violence would happen, and turning their clothes and bikes into negative symbols.
Quick Fact Moral panics create a deviance amplification spiral - when attempts to control crime actually create more crime. It's like trying to put out a fire with petrol!
Here's something mental - whilst everyone thinks crime is getting worse, it's actually been decreasing for years. The Crime Survey for England and Wales showed crime fell by 7% in 2017, yet most people still believe it's rising.
This happens because when the media bombard us with crime stories, we develop a completely false sense of how dangerous things really are. Recent terrorist attacks in London, Manchester, and Barcelona have made Islamophobia a major concern, leading to innocent Muslims facing attacks simply because of their religion.
The government responds to these media-fuelled fears by changing priorities. After the Manchester attack, they raised the threat level from severe to critical. Similarly, concerns about knife crime led to knife amnesties - schemes letting people surrender illegal weapons without prosecution.
Reality Check The Good Childhood Report found that 2 in 5 UK teenagers worry about crime in their area, affecting millions of children's wellbeing and happiness.
Media representations create powerful stereotypes about who commits crimes. In the UK, older generations often see young people as "hoodies and thugs," whilst in the US, many people automatically picture criminals as young black men.
Aaron Cicourel discovered that police, judges, and other criminal justice professionals have typifications - mental pictures of typical criminals. They see the usual suspect as a young, lower-class male, often unemployed, from a rough area, with a bad attitude and poor educational record.
This creates a self-fulfilling prophecy where people start acting out the negative labels society gives them. If you're constantly treated like a criminal, you might eventually become one.
The 2011 London riots showed how media coverage affects punishment. After Mark Duggan's death sparked protests and rioting, the media's sensationalised coverage helped create an atmosphere where rioters received ridiculously harsh sentences - often completely out of proportion to their actual crimes.
Think About It Typifications don't just affect who gets arrested - they influence who gets stopped, searched, and how severely they're punished by the courts.
When the media won't shut up about a particular type of crime, it can literally change the law. Politicians respond to media pressure and public outcry by rushing through new legislation - sometimes without properly thinking it through.
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is a perfect example of media-driven law-making. Tabloid newspapers went crazy reporting on dog attacks, using emotive language and constant coverage to create the impression that dangerous dogs were everywhere, threatening every child.
This moral panic was so intense that Parliament rushed through emergency legislation in August 1991, banning certain dog breeds entirely. The media had successfully turned isolated incidents into a national crisis that demanded immediate government action.
The pattern is always the same sensationalised reporting, public fear, political pressure, and hasty new laws. Whether it's terrorism, knife crime, or dangerous dogs, the media's power to set the agenda and force policy changes is absolutely massive.
Key Point Media coverage doesn't just inform us about crime - it actively shapes police priorities, government policies, and even creates entirely new laws.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
8
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
AC1.4 - Describe media representation of crime
CriminologyExplore how media representations shape public perceptions of crime, leading to moral panics, stereotypes, and changes in sentencing. This summary covers key concepts such as moral panic, the impact of media on public fear, and case studies like Mods vs. Rockers, highlighting the statistical evidence of media influence on crime perception and societal responses.
CriminologyExplore how media representations shape public perceptions of crime, including the creation of stereotypes, moral panics, and their impact on criminal justice policies. This summary covers key concepts such as media influence, typification, and the societal response to crime, providing insights into the relationship between media narratives and public attitudes. Ideal for criminology students studying the effects of media on crime and deviance.
CriminologyThis study note examines the representation of crime across various media platforms, including newspapers, television, films, electronic gaming, and social media. It discusses the impact of media portrayals on public perception, the phenomenon of scaremongering, and the role of music in crime representation. Ideal for students studying media representation and crime theories.
CriminologyExplore how media representations shape public perceptions of crime, leading to moral panic and shifting societal attitudes. This summary covers key studies, including the 'Mods vs Rockers' rivalry, the impact of terrorism coverage, and the rise of Islamophobia. Understand the discrepancies between media portrayal and actual crime trends, and how these narratives influence public fear and policy responses. Ideal for students studying media influence and crime sociology.
CriminologyExplore the intricate representations of crime in various media forms, including television, film, and music. This summary delves into how crime is depicted, the impact of sensationalism in news reporting, and the portrayal of offenders and victims. Key concepts include media theories, crime and deviance, and the influence of media on public perception. Ideal for students studying media studies and criminology.
CriminologyApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Jessica Blackhurst
@essicalackhurst_sbvp
Ever wondered how the media shapes what we think about crime? From sensationalised headlines to viral news stories, the media doesn't just report crime - it actually influences how much crime occurs, how we respond to it, and even which... Show more
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Think about the last shocking crime story you saw on social media - chances are it made the problem seem way worse than it actually was. This is exactly what moral panic does to our society.
Stanley Cohen explained moral panic as society's completely over-the-top reaction to a problem that's been blown out of proportion. It starts when the media picks a group of people to be the folk devil - basically the villains threatening our way of life. They then use sensationalised reporting to make the issue seem massive.
The classic example is the mods and rockers clashes in the 1960s. When these two youth groups had some minor scuffles at the seaside, newspapers went mental with headlines like "Wild ones invade seaside 97 arrests" - when there were actually only 24 arrests! The media used three key tactics: exaggerating numbers, predicting more violence would happen, and turning their clothes and bikes into negative symbols.
Quick Fact: Moral panics create a deviance amplification spiral - when attempts to control crime actually create more crime. It's like trying to put out a fire with petrol!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Here's something mental - whilst everyone thinks crime is getting worse, it's actually been decreasing for years. The Crime Survey for England and Wales showed crime fell by 7% in 2017, yet most people still believe it's rising.
This happens because when the media bombard us with crime stories, we develop a completely false sense of how dangerous things really are. Recent terrorist attacks in London, Manchester, and Barcelona have made Islamophobia a major concern, leading to innocent Muslims facing attacks simply because of their religion.
The government responds to these media-fuelled fears by changing priorities. After the Manchester attack, they raised the threat level from severe to critical. Similarly, concerns about knife crime led to knife amnesties - schemes letting people surrender illegal weapons without prosecution.
Reality Check: The Good Childhood Report found that 2 in 5 UK teenagers worry about crime in their area, affecting millions of children's wellbeing and happiness.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Media representations create powerful stereotypes about who commits crimes. In the UK, older generations often see young people as "hoodies and thugs," whilst in the US, many people automatically picture criminals as young black men.
Aaron Cicourel discovered that police, judges, and other criminal justice professionals have typifications - mental pictures of typical criminals. They see the usual suspect as a young, lower-class male, often unemployed, from a rough area, with a bad attitude and poor educational record.
This creates a self-fulfilling prophecy where people start acting out the negative labels society gives them. If you're constantly treated like a criminal, you might eventually become one.
The 2011 London riots showed how media coverage affects punishment. After Mark Duggan's death sparked protests and rioting, the media's sensationalised coverage helped create an atmosphere where rioters received ridiculously harsh sentences - often completely out of proportion to their actual crimes.
Think About It: Typifications don't just affect who gets arrested - they influence who gets stopped, searched, and how severely they're punished by the courts.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
When the media won't shut up about a particular type of crime, it can literally change the law. Politicians respond to media pressure and public outcry by rushing through new legislation - sometimes without properly thinking it through.
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is a perfect example of media-driven law-making. Tabloid newspapers went crazy reporting on dog attacks, using emotive language and constant coverage to create the impression that dangerous dogs were everywhere, threatening every child.
This moral panic was so intense that Parliament rushed through emergency legislation in August 1991, banning certain dog breeds entirely. The media had successfully turned isolated incidents into a national crisis that demanded immediate government action.
The pattern is always the same: sensationalised reporting, public fear, political pressure, and hasty new laws. Whether it's terrorism, knife crime, or dangerous dogs, the media's power to set the agenda and force policy changes is absolutely massive.
Key Point: Media coverage doesn't just inform us about crime - it actively shapes police priorities, government policies, and even creates entirely new laws.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
8
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
AC1.4 - Describe media representation of crime
CriminologyExplore how media representations shape public perceptions of crime, leading to moral panics, stereotypes, and changes in sentencing. This summary covers key concepts such as moral panic, the impact of media on public fear, and case studies like Mods vs. Rockers, highlighting the statistical evidence of media influence on crime perception and societal responses.
CriminologyExplore how media representations shape public perceptions of crime, including the creation of stereotypes, moral panics, and their impact on criminal justice policies. This summary covers key concepts such as media influence, typification, and the societal response to crime, providing insights into the relationship between media narratives and public attitudes. Ideal for criminology students studying the effects of media on crime and deviance.
CriminologyThis study note examines the representation of crime across various media platforms, including newspapers, television, films, electronic gaming, and social media. It discusses the impact of media portrayals on public perception, the phenomenon of scaremongering, and the role of music in crime representation. Ideal for students studying media representation and crime theories.
CriminologyExplore how media representations shape public perceptions of crime, leading to moral panic and shifting societal attitudes. This summary covers key studies, including the 'Mods vs Rockers' rivalry, the impact of terrorism coverage, and the rise of Islamophobia. Understand the discrepancies between media portrayal and actual crime trends, and how these narratives influence public fear and policy responses. Ideal for students studying media influence and crime sociology.
CriminologyExplore the intricate representations of crime in various media forms, including television, film, and music. This summary delves into how crime is depicted, the impact of sensationalism in news reporting, and the portrayal of offenders and victims. Key concepts include media theories, crime and deviance, and the influence of media on public perception. Ideal for students studying media studies and criminology.
CriminologyApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
