Stuart Hall - Critical Criminology

What does Stuart Hall’s theory of Critical Criminology apply his approach to?

Black muggers in the 1970s UK

What reason do Hall et al give for why media focus on mugging was an example of a ‘moral panic’?

• ‘Mugging’ was not a new crime as the 70s media portrayed it

• 129% increase in mugging - a new definition to an old crime

• Statistics showed that violent crime was rising more slowly at the time of panic than in previous decades

What does Hall mean by hegemony?

Ruling class justify their view persuading workers they’re acting in their interest

What was the economic crisis in 1970s? (Hall)

Unemployment rose and living standards cease to rise rapidly (wages stagnated)

• basis of the inter-class truce was undermined

• it becomes more difficult for the ruling class to govern by consent

Why was there a ‘hegemonic’ crisis in the 1970s? (Hall)

Government was no longer able to rule by consent

• Turned to the use of force to control the crisis

• Increase in strikes

• Picket lines: stopping goods from getting him

In what 3 ways did the moral panic and stereotyping of black men benefit capitalism? (Hall)

• Diverts attention away from the problems of Capitalism

• Divided the working class - white workers began to blame black workers

• Justifies use of police force

What was the effect of labelling Black young men as the ‘folk devils’ of society? (Hall)

Alienated young Black men who now felt a sense of hostility from society

• produced a villain

Is Hall a Traditional Marxist or a Neo-Marxist?

Neo-Marxist