Exploring the Extent on How Young People are Portrayed in the Media as Criminals (Gang Violence)

By

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

For the research conducted in this dissertation I want to be thankful to my teachers and supervisors for their immense support and help throughout my research study. Without their support, the research study would not have been possible. I also want to thank my friends and families who have been a huge source of continuous guidance and inspiration for me throughout my research work.

ABSTRACT

In this research study, the increased influence of the violent nature shows and films have been studied in detail. Youth plays a very significant role in our society. The prosperity and development of the society is dependent upon the prosperity of its youth. The increased broadcasting of the violent nature shows and films on television is increasing young people interest towards violence. This increased interest tends to drive young people towards the formation of gang violence. Violence for any society is quite perilous. A society where the ratio of violence is high is found to constitute poor law and order situation. It is of much importance that the broadcasting of the violent nature shows and films should be minimized. Subsequently, young people should be safeguarded before any worst situation develops. Parental supervision and proper education among the youth are two empirical measures that have been found in this research study that can be quite significant in minimizing youth involvement in gang violence.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT2

ABSTRACT3

1. INTRODUCTION5

2. LITERATURE REVIEW10

3. METHODOLOGY20

4. DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS25

5. CONCLUSION39

REFERENCES42

APPENDICES58

Appendix A- Participants of the Survey58

Appendix B- Participant's Consent Agreement59

Appendix C-Survey Questionnaire60

INTRODUCTION

This dissertation would focus on the portrayal of youngsters in the media and the ways in which such “broad perceptions” affect youth violence, whether it propels young people today towards offending and violent activities and affects their overall quality of life as they are now growing in a culture which believes the worst of them. Moreover, in order to understand whether media portrayal of youth gangs is exaggerated or a real problem in our society, thorough research will be conducted into the existing literature on the subject area as well as the 'insufficient' reactions of the government to curb such violence (Cox, 2011, p. 1). Even though, youth gangs have existed since a long time, there has been little research in the United Kingdom regarding their current reasons. Thrasher was the first theorist who attempted to explain the relation between gang violence and media, by researching the slums of Chicago in the 1920's (Morash, 1983, p. 309). The depiction by media plays a vital role in determining the overall response of the public. If we closely analyze modern media, it is evident that youngsters are heavily influenced by the depiction of gang behaviour and criminal activities in magazines, movies and television shows. According to a report published by REACH, the main reason behind the involvement in a gang and criminal activities is a definite lack of role models for the youth.

The portrayal of youngsters as criminals in mass media is one of ...