Criminal Justice Policy and the Media: Introduction (From The Media and Criminal Justice Policy, P 3-23, 1990, Ray Surette, ed. -- See NCJ-125773)

• NCJ Number: 125774
• Author(s): R Surette
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 21 pages
• Sale Source: Charles C. Thomas
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Research on the relationship between media violence and viewer aggression and on the media's influence on public opinion and agenda-setting supports the contention that the media does exert influence in these areas in varying degrees, but not in direct or simple ways.

Abstract

In research on media violence and viewer aggression, there is consensus that, at least in the laboratory, television or screen violence can elicit aggressive behavior in some viewers. There is additional evidence of a normative socialization process in which exposure to mass media portrayals of violence over a long period socializes audiences to norms, attitudes, and values supportive of violence. Since aggressive behavior is not necessarily criminal, this body of research does not establish a criminalizing media effect on behavior; at a minimum, it supports its potential. Research on the media's influence on public attitudes toward crime shows a moderate media influence and support for a contemporary public opinion model in which multiple paths exist between the media, social networks, and the public. Research is still inconsistent regarding the media's ability to affect the content or order of the public agenda on crime and criminal justice. 67 references.