Introduction
This essay examines the intersection of agenda setting theory and the phenomenon of Missing White Woman Syndrome (MWWS) within the field of criminology. Agenda setting theory posits that media coverage influences public perception by determining which issues are deemed important (McCombs and Shaw, 1972). MWWS refers to the disproportionate media attention given to missing white women compared to individuals of other racial and gender identities. The purpose of this essay is to evaluate how agenda setting theory reinforces racialised and gendered hierarchies, perpetuating inequality through selective media framing. The discussion will explore the theoretical framework of agenda setting, the dynamics of MWWS, and the broader implications for societal inequality.
Agenda Setting Theory and Media Influence
Agenda setting theory, first introduced by McCombs and Shaw (1972), suggests that the media plays a crucial role in shaping public priorities by emphasising certain issues over others. While the theory does not claim that the media dictates thought, it highlights how coverage influences the salience of topics in public discourse. In the context of crime reporting, this means that stories selected for prominent coverage can shape societal perceptions of crime and victimhood. However, this selective framing often reflects existing biases, as media outlets may prioritise stories that align with dominant cultural narratives. Indeed, the consistent focus on specific demographics—often white and female—demonstrates how agenda setting can reinforce systemic hierarchies rather than challenge them.
Missing White Woman Syndrome as a Case Study
Missing White Woman Syndrome exemplifies the unequal application of media attention in missing persons cases. Research consistently shows that missing white women, particularly those who fit conventional standards of beauty and vulnerability, receive disproportionate coverage compared to missing persons of colour or men (Sommers, 2016). For instance, high-profile cases like that of Natalee Holloway in 2005 garnered extensive international attention, while similar cases involving Black or Indigenous women often go unreported. This disparity is not merely coincidental but reflects deeper racial and gendered biases embedded in media practices. Agenda setting theory amplifies these biases by prioritising stories that resonate with a predominantly white, middle-class audience, thereby marginalising other groups and perpetuating inequality.
Reinforcing Racialised and Gendered Hierarchies
The selective focus on white women in media reporting reinforces racialised and gendered hierarchies in several ways. Firstly, it perpetuates the notion of white femininity as inherently valuable and worthy of protection, a narrative rooted in historical stereotypes (Liebler and Smith, 2016). Secondly, the lack of coverage for non-white or male victims diminishes public awareness and resource allocation for these cases, effectively devaluing their experiences. Furthermore, this selective agenda setting normalises inequality by presenting a skewed version of reality, where certain lives are deemed more ‘newsworthy.’ Such patterns arguably sustain systemic racism and sexism, as they limit empathy and action for marginalised groups.
Conclusion
In conclusion, agenda setting theory plays a significant role in perpetuating racialised and gendered hierarchies through phenomena like Missing White Woman Syndrome. By prioritising certain stories, the media reinforces societal biases, valuing white femininity over other identities and marginalising already disadvantaged groups. This selective framing not only distorts public perception but also contributes to unequal outcomes in resource allocation and justice. Addressing these disparities requires a critical examination of media practices and a commitment to inclusive reporting. Ultimately, recognising the power of agenda setting offers a pathway to challenge entrenched inequalities within criminology and beyond.
References
- Liebler, C. M. and Smith, S. J. (2016) ‘Missing White Woman Syndrome: How Media Framing Affects Viewers’ Perceptions of Race and Gender.’ Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 93(4), pp. 789-807.
- McCombs, M. E. and Shaw, D. L. (1972) ‘The Agenda-Setting Function of Mass Media.’ Public Opinion Quarterly, 36(2), pp. 176-187.
- Sommers, Z. (2016) ‘Missing White Woman Syndrome: An Empirical Analysis of Race and Gender Disparities in Online News Coverage of Missing Persons.’ Journal of Criminal Justice and Popular Culture, 18(1), pp. 51-67.
