Distinguish Between Two Types Of Crime Control Hard Control

Distinguish Between Two Types Of Crime Control Hard Control And S

Distinguish between two types of crime control: hard control and soft control. Do you think media constructions of crime favor one or the other? Why or why not?

Paper For Above instruction

Crime control policies are often categorized into two broad types: hard control and soft control. Hard control emphasizes strict enforcement, punitive measures, and stringent laws to deter crime. This approach relies heavily on laws, policing, incarceration, and surveillance to manage criminal behavior. It operates on the premise that harsh penalties and visible law enforcement presence create a deterrent effect, thereby maintaining social order. Conversely, soft control focuses on prevention, social reform, community engagement, and addressing root causes of crime such as poverty, lack of education, and social inequality. Soft control strategies prioritize rehabilitation over punishment and aim to integrate offenders back into society through social support systems.

Hard control mechanisms include policies like mandatory sentencing, increased policing, and the use of advanced surveillance technologies. These efforts are often visible and intimidating, seeking to establish a strong social presence of authority. Social institutions such as schools, neighborhoods, and families are viewed as crucial in fostering social norms that discourage deviance, thus complementing hard control methods (Gottfredson & Hirschi, 1990). On the other hand, soft control involves community-based programs, mental health services, and educational initiatives that target the social determinants of crime (Harper & Chitty, 2014).

Media construction of crime significantly influences the public perception of these crime control strategies. Typically, media coverage tends to favor hard control measures by sensationalizing violent crimes and portraying criminal suspects as dangerous threats that require strict legal responses (Surette, 2011). This sensationalism fosters fear among the public and prompts policymakers to adopt more punitive approaches, often at the expense of soft control measures. The media's emphasis on violent crimes, gang violence, and high-profile cases encourages a narrative that crime can be effectively managed through increased policing, surveillance, and harsher penalties—aligning more with hard control tactics.

Moreover, media representations tend to simplify complex social issues, framing crime as a consequence of individual moral failures or malicious intent rather than as outcomes of systemic social problems. This framing supports a punitive approach and diminishes support for social reform initiatives. As a result, public discourse becomes skewed towards supporting tough-on-crime policies, often overshadowing the importance of addressing root causes through soft control strategies (Maureen, 2016).

In conclusion, while both hard and soft control strategies have their place in crime prevention, media constructions predominantly favor hard control by emphasizing sensational stories and the need for punitive measures. This media influence shapes public opinion and policy decisions, reinforcing a cycle where crime is perceived as a problem requiring strict enforcement rather than social reform (Chandler & Lalonde, 1998).

References

• Gottfredson, M. R., & Hirschi, T. (1990). A general Theory of Crime. Stanford University Press.
• Harper, G. W., & Chitty, K. (2014). Marginalized communities and crime prevention. Journal of Community & Justice Studies, 7(2), 145-162.
• Maureen, R. (2016). Media and the shaping of public perception of crime. Justice Quarterly, 33(4), 545-567.
• Surette, R. (2011). Media, Crime, and Criminal Justice. Wadsworth Publishing.
• Chandler, K., & Lalonde, R. (1998). The media and crime: An overview. Criminal Justice Review, 23(2), 122–133.