The media and state crime

• What is the main focus of the paper mentioned in the study material?

  The paper is about the media and state crime.
• How does the media amplify deviance in society?

  By presenting a distorted view of crime levels and creating public concern.
• What are the effects of the media's amplification of deviance?

  • Distorted view of crime levels
  • Increased public concern
  • Over-reporting of crime incidents
  • Keeping crime high on the public agenda
  • Heightened police awareness and sensitivity to crime
• What is the relationship between media representation and public perception of crime?

  The media's portrayal can lead the public to believe there is more crime than there actually is.
• What is one way the media can be viewed as a cause of crime?

  By influencing young people through violent TV shows and video games.
• How might young people imitate violent characters they see in the media?

  They may try to replicate their behavior and learn how to commit crimes.
• What effect does exposure to violence in the media have on individuals?

  It can desensitize them, making them more likely to commit violent acts.
• What is one way the media increases public fear of crime?

  By depicting crime frequently in fictional programs.
• What do some sociologists believe about the media's influence on violence?

  They think it has been exaggerated.
• What would be expected if the media directly caused violent crime?

  All individuals who play violent video games would reenact that violence in real life.
• What do left realists argue about the media's portrayal of luxury products?

  It increases feelings of relative deprivation among those who cannot afford them.
• What new crimes have emerged due to the internet, according to Yvonne Jewkes?


  Cybercrimes such as cyberbullying and trolling.
• What is a moral panic, as described by Cohen?

  • Amplified perceived risk of crime
  • Over-reporting by the media
  • Public panic or outrage
  • Example: Clashes between Mods and Rockers in the 1960s
• How does media reporting contribute to the labeling of students as a threat to social order?

  By exaggerating isolated incidents of bad behavior among students.
• What is the self-fulfilling prophecy in the context of student behavior?

  Students may act deviant because society labels them as a menace.
• What is the response to a moral panic in society, according to the study material?

  To introduce stricter forms of social control through legislation.
• What did Hall et al. claim about the national concern regarding mugging in the 1970s?

  It was a moral panic, as mugging was not rising particularly fast at that time.
• How do McRobbie and Thornton view the public's reaction to moral panics?

  They believe the public is becoming desensitized to moral panics.
• What are some examples of state crimes committed by governments?

  • War crimes
  • Corruption
  • Censorship
  • Use of torture
  • Assassination
  • Funding of terrorism
  • Imprisonment without trial
• What is the significance of the Nuremberg laws mentioned in the study material?

  They persecuted Jews in Germany during the Nazi regime.
• What does Melossi (2001) categorize state crimes into?

  Four types: political, police-related, economic, and social crimes.
• Why is it difficult for international bodies to stop state crimes?

  Because states can define what is illegal and cover up their actions.
• What do Herman and Schwendinger (1970) believe about human rights violations?

  They should be classified as crimes regardless of legality.
• What are the two main categories of human rights according to the study material?

  • Natural rights: Right to life and liberty
  • Civil rights: Rights created by humans, such as the right to vote and fair trial
• What is the spiral of denial as it relates to state crimes?

  It is a three-step process where states deny human rights abuses, claim misinterpretation, and justify their actions.
• What are the methods of neutralization used by states according to Cohen?

  1. Denial of injury: Claiming they are retaliating against aggression.
  2. Denial of victims: Arguing that the targets are not real victims.
  3. Condemnation of the condemners: Pointing out worse crimes by other states.
  4. Appeal to higher loyalties: Justifying actions for national security or other reasons.
  5. Denial of responsibility: Claiming they are following orders.
• How might a state justify its actions when accused of human rights abuses?

  By claiming they are acting in national interest or following orders.
• What is the main argument of Cohen regarding human rights violations?

  Just because something is morally wrong does not make it criminal.
• What is the challenge in defining human rights violations?

  There is no definitive list of human rights to determine violations.
• How do states often respond to accusations of human rights abuses?

  By denying the abuses and justifying their actions.
• What is the significance of the term "moral panic" in sociology?

  It refers to public fear or outrage amplified by media over-reporting.
• How does the media's portrayal of crime affect societal norms?

  It can lead to stricter laws and social controls in response to perceived threats.
• What might be a consequence of labeling students as a threat to social order?

  It could lead to increased deviant behavior among those students.
• How do societal reactions to moral panics evolve over time?

  People may become desensitized and less likely to panic as they become accustomed to such events.
• What is the role of the media in shaping public perceptions of crime and deviance?

  The media influences how crime is perceived, often exaggerating its prevalence and impact.
• What is the relationship between state crimes and the power of the state?

  State crimes are often carried out on a large scale due to the power of the state.
• How can state crimes be categorized according to Melossi?


  They can be categorized into political, police-related, economic, and social crimes.
• What challenges do international bodies face in addressing state crimes?

  They struggle to intervene due to the state's ability to define legality and cover up actions.
• What is the significance of the term "neutralization" in the context of state crimes?


  It refers to the methods states use to justify or deny their actions.
• What are the two main categories of human rights violations according to the study material?

  Natural rights and civil rights.