Criminology Assignment: Youth Crime, Media and Moral Panic Essay

This essay delves into the multifaceted issue of youth crime, examining the significant role of media in shaping perceptions and instigating moral panics. It explores media terminology, the hypodermic needle theory, and the impact of media representation on youth subcultures. The essay analyzes how media coverage, including terminology and imagery, can influence public opinion and contribute to societal anxieties. It also investigates the concept of moral panic, providing examples and outlining its stages, along with the involvement of subcultures such as Mods, Rockers, and Skinheads. Furthermore, the assignment touches upon the minimal age of criminal responsibility and the implications of contemporary youth justice policies, using the James Bulger case as a reference point. The essay highlights how media, subcultures, and policy intersect to influence the understanding and handling of youth crime.

Criminology - Youth
Crime

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Media...........................................................................................................................................1
Media terminology.......................................................................................................................2
Sub cultures.................................................................................................................................4
Minimal age of criminal responsibility........................................................................................5
Contemporary youth justice policy..............................................................................................6
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8
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INTRODUCTION
Moral panic is a feeling of fear, which is spread among large number of people that some
evils exists that threatens the well-being of the society. The phrase called, ‘moral panic’ and
development of the sociological concept has been able to get credit from a South African
sociologist (Stanley Cohen) who was able to deliver adequate amount of knowledge about the
subject in his book published in 1972, called, “Folk Devils and Moral panics”. Moral panics
generally occur due to arousing social concern over one or the other issue. It is usually the work
of mass media or moral entrepreneur to ensure that these threats are being taken care of, so as to
initiate well being in the society.
Media
Media plays an important role in spreading information with respect to social or moral
distress. It indulges in disclosing the facts and figures to the general public so as to generate the
situation of stress, concern and panic as well. Stanley Cohen have been able to state that the
situation of moral panic arises when any individual, situation, episode or condition emerges to
become as a defined threat to societal interests and values (Densley and Stevens, 2015). There
are certain examples used for moral panics. These are, ritual abuse related to women and
children, widespread abduction of children by predatory paedophiles, the war of drugs, etc.
Stanley have been able to specify five core stages of moral panic situation. These are:
 Someone or something are defined to be a threat to societal norms or affecting community
interest.
 Threat is then generally depicted by media in certain simple as well as recognizable format.
 The portrayal being made from the side of the media arouses public concern to some extent.
 After analysing that there is certain issue, it leads to get certain response from the authorities
and policy makers so as to sort out the issue being arising in the society.
 Addressing of moral panic situation can lead to bring certain changes in the existing norms of
the society (Cohen, 2011).
Hypodermic needle theory is applicable on the concept of media role in moral panic. The
theory is inclusive of model of communication which suggests that if an intended message is
directly received, then in that case, it is generally wholly accepted by the receivers. It is implied
to mass media as it has direct, powerful as well as immediate effect on its audiences. There are
various factors contributing to it These are, fast arise and acceptance of radio, television and
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other media related instruments, persuasive industries, such as, advertising and propaganda
related companies and high degree o acceptance of various other mass media by the general
public.
Self-fulfilling prophecy is also linked to moral panics, where, prediction is directly or
indirectly caused so as to present it to be true. These statements are generally false in nature in
the very beginning which helps in evoking an altogether new behaviour with the aim to make the
altogether false conception to come true. So as to initiate positive behaviour in the environment,
certain untrue statements are used for better representation of truth and its adoption by the
society.
Bringing changes in the legislation is a wake of moral situation which can help in handling it
down to the maximum. The situation arises due to ill consideration of certain statutes which may
not be effectively prepared. Moreover, root cause of development of moral panic is due to
ignoring the initial phase of any type of panic situation. Experts tend to initiate the steps that can
help in controlling the situation to the maximum by promoting education and awareness
regarding subject matter. Ineffective legislation can lead to build panic situation in the society. It
becomes important for the government to rule out the rules and regulations that can be initiated
in the society so as to bring situation of moral panic under control (Connell and Connell, 1978).
Media terminology
Polysemy is one term that is commonly used in media representation. The news, being
published by the media, may have greater impact on the audience. In case of youth related moral
panic situations, it becomes important to choose right kind of headline and image for the content
so that it is ensured that right crux of the news has been transferred to the ultimate audience.
Since, there are various moral panic situation displayed in the form of social issues, which owns
maximum coverage due to indulgence of youth in it. These situations are, HIV / AIDS, Heroin
and crack Cocaine distribution, Acid raves or knife crime etc. Due to involvement of crucial
social issues, it become important for media coverage personnel to ensure that right
representation of news or content has been initiated for maximum amount of benefit out of it
(Jefferson, 2014). There are certain words that may lead to bring negative feedback of image in
the minds of the readers. It becomes important for media coverage personnel that right kind of
words are used so as to ensure that appropriate content is given for reading to the readers and not
the offensive one.
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England riots took place between 6th August to 11th August, in the year, 2011. The chaos
resulted in looting, mass deployment of police, arson and also resulted in death of five people as
well. It gained attention of the media due to several violent clashes between people and police.
There were social media sites where, wrong and unproven rumours were discussed which added
fuel to the riots condition in England. It can be considered as a core example of moral panic
situation where, involvement of youth was the maximum. Youth who were found guilty of crime
in that situation were punished out badly due to the moral panic situation it created in the
country. Rather than getting swept off the situation of moral panic in the country. It is important
for the court to ensure that right amount of punishment in beheaded to the people and ensure
justice to all rather than focussing on moral panic situation in the state (Hendrick, 2006).
Sub cultures are the groups of people within a particular culture, who differentiate
themselves from parent culture. However, they get involved in maintaining some of the founding
principles of parent culture. They are often involved in developing their own norms and
principles in various cultural, political and sexual matters. Media plats a substantial role in
dividing sub culture from parent culture in their representation format of news (May, 2002).
Youth subculture is one sub group that has been made by media which is having wider impact on
overall youth group of worldwide. Since, this group is quite dynamic as well as complex, it
becomes important to speculate changes related to their experiences and distinct culture adopted
by them. The representation of youth culture is quite different from the side of media, where,
they tend to opt for representation of authentication in their cultural practices (Gelsthorpe and
Sharpe, 2006).
False representation of facts and figures is another aspect linked to media where sit is
deliberately chosen by them to protect any type of moral panic situation in the country. For
instance, stating that less number of murders have taken place in the country can help in
controlling any kind of moral panic situation that must have been going on in the nation.
Distorting reality a bit helps in creating false balance in the society that can ultimately help in
ensuring that positive change can be brought to the society with the help of representation of
false facts and figures (McAuley, 2007).
Distortion in the facts and figures are also initiated by the business planner and strategic
managers of large corporations. It helps in ensuring that the main agenda of the organization is
ultimately fulfilled even after bringing changes in its disclosures. The changes can be brought by
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them so as to create false balance in the society in a manner that maximum number of people can
get attracted towards it. The case of quite commonly used to attract maximum number of
shareholders or other investors towards the organization.
Moral panic is still common amongst various types of crime that tend to regularly take
place in the society. Any kind of fear created in the minds of people can help in creating both
negative as well as positive influence in their behaviour. It can help the society in taking
measures that can help in bringing down the percentage of crime and can act in a positive
manner to the society (Webster, 2006). However, the negative influence can be in the form of
increased public concern with respect to social problems faced by them that can lead to chaotic
situation in the society affecting regular livelihood of individuals. It can be stated that the
positive influence of moral panic concept is more in comparison to that of negative one. Hence,
it must be adopted in the country for effective implementation of various functions.
Sub cultures
Mod and Rockers are the two conflicting sub cultures of British youth cultures of 1960s to
1970s. The group was generally termed as violent and unruly troublemakers. The rocker
subgroup was centred on motorcycling with black leather jackets and motorcycle boots.
However, the appearance of mod was centred towards fashion and music. Media represented
them as a group of people who are meant to bring disintegration in the existing culture of UK.
Although there was no violence reported. These sub groups were represented by media with the
words ‘violence’, ‘attack’ and riots. They also tried to connect them with various social issues,
such as, amphetamines, pregnancy and contraceptives. It can be stated that it was the wrong
representation of facts being initiated by media (White and Cuneen, 2006).
Skin head is another youth related sub group which originated among working class youths
in London in the year 1960s. They were distinguished with their way of dressing which was,
shaven heads, Dr. Martens and steel toe work boots, high rise and varying length of straight leg
jeans, braces, collared buttoned shirts usually plain or checks in a slim fit style. It leads to
increase in racial related crimes in the country. However, people became quite politically active
due to it. These people brought a lot of chaos in the country increasing moral panic ()Bursik,
1988.
Since, modern culture is the part of culture and is different from the main stream aspect
due to their belief, principles, occupation and living conditions. There are certain sub cultures
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which have been quite common in these modern scenarios. Hip hop is one youth-oriented
culture, associated to hip hop dance form, originated in 1970s. Cosplay is the other one, whose
behaviour is related to performing arts. The role often aligned to other activities as well, such as,
novels, movies, TV series, social and historical stories, etc. They usually wear same clothes and
carry props and put certain make up to mimic any role. These types of sub culture are not meant
for causing any harm to the society. People are quite welcoming in case of these type of culture
which are not meant to do any harm to the society.
Minimal age of criminal responsibility
Considering the murder case of James Bulger who was tortured and murdered by two ten-
year-old boys, Robert Thompson and John Venables. He was led away from the shopping centre.
His mutilated body was found on a railway lines, which was situated 2.5 miles away in Walton,
Liverpool after two days of his murder. The two, who were actually Juveniles were charged for
the murder of James. After finding them guilty, they were considered as youngest convicted
murderers in the modern English History. The case was able to initiate a discussion in the
country that how the young offenders must be handled and if they must be sentenced on certain
terms or must be released based on some custody. The legal proceedings of the case stated that
they were convicted for the crime where they were kept in custody till the time they turn to 18
years old for further release of conviction performed by them, when they were 10 years old
(Phillips and Bowling, 2002).
Youth Justice System has been developed for the number of children and young people
who are involved in offences or conviction. There are the people who falls between the age
group of 10 years to 17 years. The punishment for conviction varies in the form of offences
being committed by them, outcomes being received by them, demographics and other trends
related to it. There are around 28400 children who have been cautioned or convicted for
performing one or the other crime. The number of children or young people committing offences
have increased by 11% since March 2012 (Gelsthorpe and Morris, 2002). Moreover, in the same
period, the number of adults committing offence have increased by 10%. Further, the reoffending
rate of children and young people have also increased by 4% which is 28.2% in case of adults.
Police recorded crimes are 4,315,500, where approximately 74,784 children have been arrested
in the year 2017. It has decreased by 14% in comparison to the crime rate of last year (Webster,
2015).
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Crime and Disorder Act is an act of parliament of UK which was received by Royal Assent
in 1998. The key areas of introduction pf this act was based on, Anti Social Behaviour order,
Sex offenders Orders, Sex Offender Orders, etc. The main aim of the same was to reduce crime
and disorder in the country. Moreover, the objective is to specifically focus on racially
aggravated offences. The act also considers the crime that are committed by children falling
between he age group of 0 years to 14 years, who are considered to be incapable of committing
any crime. It helps in giving adequate punishment to the children who have been involved in any
type of criminal activity.
Minimum age of criminal responsibility is the lowest as in the case of UK in comparison to
the overall statutes and legislations followed in all over Europe (Goldson, 1997). As per the
common law of England, it is important for the parliament to reduce the prohibited act or guilty
mind. It can be in the case of a child who may have this intent to perform any time of criminal
related conviction or any type of criminal offence. The absolute recommended age for the same
2being initiated by UK is 12 years and has been trying to reduce the children related crime to be
minimum so that the average age can be reduced to the highest possible age. Hence, it can be
stated that that crimes committed by children is quite common in case of UK which requires
adequate laws and statutes that can help in handling the situation.
Contemporary youth justice policy
There are various issues prevailing with the young offenders in UK. They are at serious risk
due to long term prevailing issues. Youth Justice system has been failing the fulfil their
requirements and support their needs. There are around 21% increase in the young people in
custody who self-harm themselves, as per the statistics of 2011-2012. Incidents of physical
restraint have increased. Moreover, children and youngsters also tend to face various issues
related to learning disabilities and other mental health related issues as well. Various people are
kept in revolving door, which increases the incidence of suicide in the custody centre as well.
There are more than 60% of children and youngsters who tend to face issues in communication
while an extremely high proportion is present who are at high risk of emotional and mental
health requirements (Muncie, 2008).
The book of Stewart Hall, named “Policing the crisis”, in the year 1978, stated regarding
criminal justice aspect of UK concerning specially to youngsters and children. The book stated
regarding importance of appropriately looking into the issue and assess the reason due to which a
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child, which is not capable of doing something dangerous, has initiated the crime. There are
certain cases that the individual is victimized accidently which leads to wrongly qualifying
someone as a convict without any wrongful doing being performed.
Lamy’s report stated regarding ineffective condition of the convicts, who are in the form of
children and youngsters, in the custody houses, where they are kept after committing a crime.
The report states that additional investment concerning to safety and security of the convicts can
help in providing custody houses as well. Pascal Lamy also stated that stringent laws followed by
the organization of criminal justice in the custody leads to initiate various physical and metal
issues in the individuals living there. Hence, there is a requirement to work diligently on all rules
and regulations so as to initiate better results (Smith, 2003).
There are around 74,784 children and youngster who got arrested due to their conviction in
the year 2017. Moreover, the arrest is also initiated by the team based on mens rea that is guilty
mind. It is possible in case of attempt to murder but has not succeeded on the same. In this
scenario, the police have right to arrest the individual based on guilty mind aspect of being a
criminal. The report suggests that, it is important for the criminal justice team to stringent the
laws, rules and regulations related to children and young criminal so that it can be decreased to
the minimum (Smith, 2007).
CONCLUSION
From the above report, it can be concluded that, moral panic is the situation where the well
being of the society is threatened due to some sort of evil practices. Media plays an important
role in addressing the same, where, its reflection ion positive or negative manner is given by
them to the receivers. It can be stated that the term moral panic is quite suitable term to be used
as it can help in initiating better situation in the society. Moral panic is still common amongst
various types of crime that tend to regularly take place in the society.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Densley, J.A. and Stevens, A., 2015. ‘We’ll show you gang’: The subterranean structuration of
gang life in London. Criminology & Criminal Justice. 15(1). pp.102-120.
Cohen, S., 2011. Folk devils and moral panics. Routledge.
Connell, K, & Connell, K n.d., 1978. 'Policing the Crisis 35 Years On', Contemporary British
History, 29, 2, pp. 273-283
Jefferson, T, 2014, 'Exploring the continuing relevance of Policing the Crisis', City, 18, 2, pp.
152-159
Hendrick, H., 2006 ‘Histories of Youth Crime and Justice’ in B. Goldson and J. Muncie (eds)
Youth Crime and Justice, London: Sage.
May, M., 2002 ‘Innocence & Experience: The Evolution of the Concept of Juvenile Delinquency
in the Mid-Nineteenth Century’, in J. Muncie, G. Hughes & E. McLaughlin (eds), Youth
Justice: Critical Readings
Gelsthorpe, L. and Sharpe, G., 2006 ‘Gender, Youth Crime and Justice’ in B. Goldson and J.
Muncie (eds) Youth Crime and Justice, London: Sage.
McAuley, R., 2007 Out of Sight: Crime, Youth and Exclusion in Modern Britain, Cullompton:
Willan. [ebook]
Webster, C., 2006 ‘Race, Youth Crime and Justice’ in B. Goldson and J. Muncie (eds) Youth
Crime and Justice, London: Sage.
White, R. and Cuneen, C., 2006 ‘Social Class, Youth Crime and Justice’, in B. Goldson and J.
Muncie (eds) Youth Crime and Justice, London: Sage
Bursik, R., 1988 “Social Disorganisation and Theories of Crime and Delinquency: Problems and
Perspectives”, Criminology, 26, Pages 519—559
Phillips, C. and Bowling, B., 2002. Ethnicities, racism, crime and criminal justice, Oxford:
Oxford University Press
Webster, C., 2015 ‘’Race’, Youth Crime and Youth Justice’ in Goldson, B. and Muncie, J.
Youth, Crime and Justice: Critical issues, London: SAGE
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Goldson, B., 1997 ‘Children, Crime, Policy and Practice: Neither Welfare nor Justice’, Children
and Society, vol 11: 77-88
Muncie, J., 2008 ‘The “Punitive Turn” in Juvenile Justice’, Youth Justice, vol 8(2): 107-121.
Smith, D., 2003. ‘New Labour and Youth Justice’, Children and Society, vol 17: 226-235
Smith, R., 2007 Youth Justice: Ideas, Policy and Practice, Cullompton: Willan, chapter 1
‘Lessons from history: the 1980s’. [ebook]
Gelsthorpe, L. and Morris, A., 2002 ‘Restorative Youth Justice: The Last Vestiges of Welfare’,
in J. Muncie, G. Hughes and E. McLaughlin (eds.) Youth Justice: Critical Readings
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