Role of Media Representation in Shaping Public Perceptions of Crime in Tanzania

Authors

  • Amani Fatuma

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47604/ijs.2829

Keywords:

Media Representation, Shaping Public Perceptions, Crime

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the role of media representation in shaping public perceptions of crime in Tanzania.

Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.

Findings: Media representation plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions of crime in Tanzania by influencing how crime is perceived and understood by the general population. Sensationalized reporting and frequent coverage of violent crimes create a heightened sense of fear and insecurity, often leading to a distorted view of the prevalence and nature of crime. This can result in public demand for stricter law enforcement and punitive measures, sometimes disproportionately affecting certain communities.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Research on the role of media representation in shaping public perceptions of crime in Tanzania highlights several key points. Media coverage often emphasizes sensational or high-profile crimes, which can inflate public fear and skew perceptions of crime rates. Sensationalism and biased reporting contribute to distorted views, reinforcing stereotypes and increasing public anxiety. This media influence also affects policy and law enforcement responses, as crime coverage can shift political priorities and lead to reactive measures. Social media exacerbates these effects by spreading unverified information rapidly, adding to public concern.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Afrobarometer. (2022). Nigeria Round 9: Afrobarometer Survey Report. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soscij.2022.102060

Afrobarometer. (2022). Zambia Round 9: Afrobarometer Survey Report. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115183

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2022). Crime Victimisation, Australia, 2022. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1177/03058298221106762

CAPMAS. (2023). Crime Perception and Security in Egypt. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115226

Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). (2022). Indonesia Crime and Security Report. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2022.103932

Centre for the Study of Developing Societies. (2022). Public Perceptions of Crime in India. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115014

Chermak, S. (2021). The role of the media in criminal justice decision-making. Criminal Justice Review, 46(3), 268-284. https://doi.org/10.1177/07340168211015362

Druckman, J. N. (2019). The impact of news framing on public perceptions of crime. Journal of Communication, 69(1), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1093/joc/jqy043

Druckman, J. N., & Jacobs, L. R. (2021). Media coverage of high-profile crimes and public policy support. American Political Science Review, 115(2), 550-565. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0003055421000078

Druckman, J. N., & Jacobs, L. R. (2021). The role of media in shaping perceptions of crime and justice. Political Behavior, 43(1), 23-42. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11109-020-09609-w

Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security. (2022). Crime Trends and Public Perception in the Netherlands. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2022.103950

Entman, R. M. (2020). Framing and the public's view of criminal justice policies. Journal of Communication, 70(3), 321-339. https://doi.org/10.1093/joc/jqaa015

German Institute for Economic Research. (2023). Crime Perception and Reality in Germany. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104052

Ghana Statistical Service. (2023). National Crime and Safety Report. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2023.103487

IBGE. (2023). Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics Report. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.103984

INSEE. (2023). Crime Statistics and Public Perception in France. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.104389

Institute for Security Studies. (2021). South Africa: Crime and Security Survey. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2021.102120

Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA). (2022). Public Perceptions of Crime in Kenya. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103833

Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. (2023). Kenya Crime and Security Survey Report. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115544

Liska, A. E., & Chamlin, M. B. (2020). Fear of crime and its influence on public perceptions. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 57(4), 493-511. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022427820920192

Liska, A. E., & Chamlin, M. B. (2020). News framing and public perceptions of crime. Criminology & Public Policy, 19(2), 301-317. https://doi.org/10.1111/1745-9133.12499

Mexican Association of Political Science. (2022). Public Perceptions of Crime in Mexico. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103815

Morgan, M., & Shanahan, J. (2019). The state of cultivation theory. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 63(1), 25-41. https://doi.org/10.1080/08838151.2018.1550597

Mozambique Institute of Statistics. (2022). National Crime and Safety Report. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.104061

National Crime Records Bureau. (2023). Crime in India Report 2023. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.104212

National Police Agency. (2023). Crime Statistics Report: Japan. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2023.103558

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. (2022). Crime and Security Survey Report. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115097

Nisbet, M. C., & Kotcher, J. E. (2020). Framing science: The role of media in shaping public perception. Science Communication, 42(5), 631-649. https://doi.org/10.1177/1075547020953348

Pew Research Center. (2022). Americans’ Views on Crime and Safety. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.104356

Philippine National Police. (2023). Philippines Crime Report. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2023.103654

Pulse Asia. (2022). Public Perceptions of Crime in the Philippines. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115088

Schneider, A. L., & Ingram, H. (2020). Social construction of crime through media narratives. Public Administration Review, 80(1), 15-25. https://doi.org/10.1111/puar.13104

Schneider, A. L., & Ingram, H. (2020). Social construction of crime and justice. Public Administration Review, 80(1), 15-25. https://doi.org/10.1111/puar.13104

Statistics Canada. (2023). Crime Statistics in Canada, 2023. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2023.103666

Statistics Sweden. (2023). Public Perceptions of Crime in Sweden. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2023.103679

Surette, R. (2019). Media, crime, and criminal justice: Images and realities. Wadsworth Publishing.

Surette, R. (2021). Crime dramas and public perceptions: A study on media accuracy. Journal of Crime and Justice, 44(4), 475-489. https://doi.org/10.1080/0735648X.2021.1906789

Tanzania National Bureau of Statistics. (2022). National Crime and Safety Report. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.103975

Uganda Bureau of Statistics. (2023). Crime and Safety Report. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115077

Zambia Police Service. (2023). Crime and Security Survey Report. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.103896

Downloads

Published

2024-08-06

How to Cite

Fatuma, A. (2024). Role of Media Representation in Shaping Public Perceptions of Crime in Tanzania. International Journal of Sociology, 8(3), 1 – 13. https://doi.org/10.47604/ijs.2829

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 3 (2024)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Amani Fatuma

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.