Introduction
This essay explores the interplay between selective framing and agenda setting theory in shaping public perception of victims, particularly through the lens of missing white woman syndrome (MWWS). Within the field of criminology, understanding how media narratives prioritise certain victims over others is crucial for unpacking systemic biases. Specifically, this piece examines how media framing and agenda setting contribute to racial and gender disparities in coverage, reinforcing societal hierarchies. The discussion will first outline the theoretical frameworks, then analyse their role in perpetuating bias through MWWS, and finally consider the broader implications for justice and equity. By engaging with academic literature, this essay aims to provide a sound, albeit limited, critical perspective on these complex dynamics.
Theoretical Foundations: Agenda Setting and Selective Framing
Agenda setting theory posits that the media influences public perception by determining which issues are deemed important. McCombs and Shaw (1972) argue that the prominence and frequency of media coverage shape what audiences prioritise as significant (McCombs and Shaw, 1972). For instance, repeated reporting on specific crimes or victims can elevate their perceived importance in the public consciousness. Selective framing, meanwhile, refers to how media outlets present information, often highlighting certain aspects while downplaying others to construct specific narratives (Entman, 1993). Together, these mechanisms do not merely reflect reality but actively construct it, guiding audiences on what to think about and how to interpret events. In the context of crime reporting, this dual process can disproportionately amplify particular victims’ stories, often aligning with societal biases.
Missing White Woman Syndrome: Racial and Gender Bias in Media Narratives
Missing white woman syndrome exemplifies how agenda setting and framing reinforce racial and gender biases. Coined by journalist Gwen Ifill, MWWS describes the disproportionate media attention given to missing white women compared to women of colour or men (Sommers, 2016). Agenda setting is evident in the sheer volume of coverage such cases receive; for example, high-profile cases like that of Madeleine McCann garnered extensive, sustained media focus, positioning them as national priorities. Conversely, missing persons of colour, such as those documented in studies by the Black and Missing Foundation, are often underreported (Sommers, 2016). Selective framing further exacerbates this by portraying white female victims as innocent, relatable, and deserving of sympathy, using emotive language and visuals, while other victims are framed with less urgency or even blame (Entman, 1993). This disparity reflects and reinforces societal hierarchies, where whiteness and femininity are privileged, aligning with broader patterns of systemic inequality.
Mechanisms of Bias Reinforcement
The combined effect of agenda setting and framing in MWWS perpetuates a cycle of bias. Media outlets, driven by audience appeal and commercial interests, prioritise stories that resonate with dominant (often white, middle-class) demographics, thus setting an agenda that marginalises non-conforming victims (Sommers, 2016). Furthermore, framing techniques—such as personal anecdotes or family appeals in coverage of white women—humanise these victims, fostering public empathy, while statistical or detached reporting on others diminishes emotional engagement. Indeed, this selective process mirrors criminological theories of ‘ideal victims,’ where societal norms dictate who is deemed worthy of attention (Christie, 1986). Consequently, public and policy responses often skew towards those framed as ‘deserving,’ diverting resources and awareness from marginalised groups, arguably deepening disparities in justice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selective framing and agenda setting theory work in tandem to shape public perception of victim importance, as vividly illustrated by missing white woman syndrome. Through disproportionate coverage and biased portrayals, media narratives reinforce racial and gender hierarchies, privileging white female victims while marginalising others. This essay has demonstrated, with a degree of critical insight, how these mechanisms align with systemic inequalities in society. The implications are profound, suggesting a need for more equitable media practices and heightened public awareness to challenge these biases. Ultimately, addressing such disparities is essential for fostering a justice system that values all victims equally, regardless of race or gender.
References
- Christie, N. (1986) The Ideal Victim. In: Fattah, E.A. (ed.) From Crime Policy to Victim Policy. Palgrave Macmillan.
- Entman, R.M. (1993) Framing: Toward Clarification of a Fractured Paradigm. Journal of Communication, 43(4), pp. 51-58.
- 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 Law and Criminology, 106(2), pp. 275-314.
