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  • Essay / Discuss the relationship between crime and mass...

    Why do the public like the idea of ​​crime? Crime, as defined by the Oxford Dictionary, is “an action or omission which constitutes an offense and is punishable by law” (Oxford, nd). Committing a crime is immoral, but when we see it on the front page of a newsstand, we are immediately engaged. We always rely on the media for the latest news, but are we reading reality or what the media wants us to read? Crime and the media are closely related topics on which many criminologists differ, but how strong is the relationship and does the media actively shape crime itself or society's views? Currently, crime is decreasing. In March 2013, annual crime statistics showed that figures fell by 7% from the previous year, now standing at around 3.7 million recorded crimes across England and the Netherlands. Wales. This is the lowest rate since 2002/2003 (Crime Statistics, 2013). This could be due to technological advances, for example in video surveillance and even policing. However, half of these offenses were related to theft. As technology advances, thefts increase. Social class is an important factor in today's society and no one wants to be considered "poor". As unemployment rates have increased over the years, it has become easier for people to turn to crime rather than find employment. The media tends to stereotype those who are unemployed, for example young people who are out of work (especially those from low-income backgrounds). areas) are generally considered “Chavs”. The Telegraph (2008) states that "Many people use 'Chav' as a smokescreen for their hatred of the lower classes." This refers to the theory of mass society. The theory was established after the Second World War and, in this case, “Chavs” can be seen as “ordinary people” “characterized by their alienation from moral and ethical values” (Jewkes, 2011, p. 11). The media creates a moral panic because of these kinds of stereotypes.