lec 2 social control

Introduction to Media Coverage and Social Control

Setting the Stage

  • The discussion focuses on media coverage in the United States and Britain regarding crime, illustrating the connection between media and social control.

  • The first argument presented is that media and social control are interconnected. This is a central thesis derived from sociological studies that examine informal and formal methods of social control.

  • The second part of the thesis is that laws are enacted in reaction to media portrayals of crime and deviance.

Main Thesis

  1. Connection between Media and Social Control

    • Media influences how deviance and crime are portrayed, affecting the enactment of laws.

    • Laws are shaped by media representation, contributing to understanding when, where, and how laws are established.

  2. Media and Legislative Control

    • Media can also be subject to control through legislation, which illustrates the bidirectional influence between the media and social control mechanisms.

  3. Role of Media in Enacting Social Control

    • Media is highlighted as a significant area of sociological focus, particularly regarding social control.

Outline of Key Topics

  • Socialization Theory: Introduced as a framework for understanding societal norms and behaviors.

  • Video Nasties: Defined and explored as a unique genre of films facing censorship.

  • Moral Panics: Discussed as a social concept explaining reactions to deviance.

  • Future Considerations: Brief mention of LGBTQ rights within the Caribbean, though this may not be covered in the current discussion.

Socialization Theory

  • Definition of Socialization: A lifelong process where individuals inherit and disseminate norms, customs, values, and ideologies.

    • Almost everything learned is a product of socialization, including language, ethical behavior, and cultural practices.

  • Key Agents of Socialization:

    1. Family: Primary guardian of early socialization, often instilling ideas about crime and deviance.

    2. Peer Groups: Gain importance as individuals grow, influencing attitudes and social norms.

    3. Education: Schools serve as a significant agent where legal concepts and case studies (e.g., Paul Bernardo case) are discussed.

    4. Religion: Provides ethical insights relevant to concepts of crime and deviance.

    5. Media: Despite often being placed last among agents, the media's impact on shaping societal norms is profound due to early exposure and widespread accessibility.

Illustration of Socialization Through Personal Examples

  • Discussion of personal experiences with crime education, where different agents influence how individuals perceive crime (e.g., family conversations vs. classroom discussions).

  • Emphasis on the variability of exposure to criminal justice content among individuals.

Video Nasties

  • Definition and Origin of the Term: Refers to specific films labeled as obscene in the UK, often leading to societal outrage.

  • Cultural Context: The term is particularly relevant in British contexts, where media reactions led to broader societal implications.

    • Notably linked to significant films such as the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, which set the stage for the genre.

  • Characteristics of Video Nasties:

    • Included graphic violence, gore, and often sexual content, leading to initiatives to ban their distribution.

    • The discussion includes expectations of gross-out horror films resulting in mass media sensationalism around their release.

Emergence of Moral Panics

  • Definition of Moral Panic: A societal reaction where a group poses a perceived threat to societal norms and values, often exaggerating the issue’s significance.

  • Historical Context: Based on Stanley Cohen's work observing social reactions to youth cultures (mods and rockers) in the UK.

  • Key Elements of Moral Panics:

    • Sensationalist media narratives.

    • Influence of social context on perceptions of deviance.

    • Results in legislative action based on exaggerated fears.

Case Study: The Driller Killer

  • Overview: The film initially flopped in the US but gained notoriety in the UK due to the media's sensational reporting and ensuing moral panic.

  • Influence of VHS Technology: VHS distribution opened the market for banning video nasties leading to the 1984 Video Recording Act, where censorship became legally enforceable.

  • Consequences of the Panic:

    • Illustrates how media-driven narratives lead to societal fears and legislative changes that reflect moral panics.

    • Various notable films were banned as a result (e.g., Child's Play 3, Halloween).

Legislative Outcomes and Reflections

  • The 1984 Video Recording Act: Resulted in the creation of a censorship board overseeing video content based on public safety concerns.

  • Implications for Media: The case of video nasties highlights the powerful interplay between societal fears, media portrayal, and legal action.

Conclusion and Further Discussion

  • The Importance of Media: Discussion encapsulates how media and societal reactions can impact both individual perceptions of crime and legislative frameworks.

  • Future Conversations: Potential to explore moral panics with broader social phenomena in various contexts, including discussions around contemporary issues influenced by media representations.

  • Challenges Ahead: The impact of media in shaping public perception around crime and legislation continuously evolves, highlighting the need for critical engagement from the public and policymakers.

  • Q&A Segment: Open for final questions and reflections as a lead-in to broader discussions on ongoing societal concerns influenced by media.