Introduction
This essay explores the representation of crime in media through the lens of classical and positivist criminological theories. Classical criminology, rooted in the 18th-century ideas of Cesare Beccaria, emphasises rational choice, free will, and proportional punishment as deterrents to criminal behaviour (Hillyard and Tombs, 2004). In contrast, positivist criminology, emerging in the 19th century with scholars like Cesare Lombroso, focuses on deterministic factors such as biology, psychology, and social environment as drivers of criminality (Vold et al., 2002). Media portrayals of crime often align with one of these perspectives, shaping public perceptions and policy responses. This essay examines a specific media article from The Guardian, published on 15th September 2023, titled “Knife Crime in England and Wales Remains High Despite Government Pledges,” to assess whether its depiction of knife crime reflects a classical or positivist approach. Through this analysis, the essay evaluates the implications of such framing for understanding crime and addressing it. The discussion will first outline the key tenets of classical and positivist theories, then critically analyse the chosen article, and finally consider broader implications for criminology and society.
Classical and Positivist Theories in Criminology
Classical criminology, as articulated by Beccaria in his seminal work “On Crimes and Punishments” (1764), posits that individuals are rational actors who weigh the costs and benefits of committing crimes. This perspective assumes that crime can be deterred through swift, certain, and proportional punishment (Hillyard and Tombs, 2004). Consequently, media representations aligned with this school often focus on individual choice, personal responsibility, and the need for tougher penalties to prevent criminal acts. Such depictions typically ignore structural or environmental factors, framing offenders as fully accountable for their actions.
Conversely, positivist criminology rejects the notion of free will, arguing that criminal behaviour is determined by factors beyond an individual’s control. Lombroso, often regarded as the founder of this school, suggested that criminals could be identified by physical traits, an idea later critiqued for its lack of empirical support (Vold et al., 2002). Modern positivism has evolved to incorporate psychological, sociological, and environmental influences, such as poverty, family dysfunction, or mental health issues (Akers and Sellers, 2013). Media aligned with positivist views often highlights these underlying causes, advocating for rehabilitation or social interventions rather than punitive measures. Understanding these contrasting perspectives is crucial for interpreting how media constructs narratives around crime.
Analysis of the Media Article
The selected article from The Guardian (2023) reports on the persistent high levels of knife crime in England and Wales, despite government commitments to reduce such offences. Written by Rajeev Syal, the piece draws on official statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), noting a significant number of knife-related incidents recorded by police in the year ending March 2023. The article quotes government officials promising stricter sentencing and increased police powers, alongside community leaders who attribute the issue to socioeconomic deprivation and lack of youth services. This dual focus provides an opportunity to examine whether the portrayal leans towards a classical or positivist framework.
From a classical perspective, the article’s emphasis on government pledges for harsher sentencing and enhanced police presence reflects a belief in deterrence through punishment. The narrative suggests that individuals engaging in knife crime are making rational choices that can be curbed by increasing the perceived costs of offending, such as longer prison terms or more frequent arrests. This aligns with Beccaria’s assertion that punishment must be severe enough to outweigh the benefits of crime (Hillyard and Tombs, 2004). However, the article does not delve deeply into personal responsibility or individual decision-making, which slightly limits the classical framing.
On the other hand, the positivist approach is evident in the article’s inclusion of community voices that point to systemic issues like poverty, underfunded youth programmes, and social inequality as contributing factors to knife crime. For instance, it mentions how cuts to public services have left young people vulnerable to gang involvement, implying that criminal behaviour may stem from environmental and social conditions rather than free will. This resonates with modern positivist views that advocate for addressing root causes through prevention and rehabilitation (Akers and Sellers, 2013). Indeed, the article’s balanced reporting—acknowledging both punitive and preventive strategies—suggests a hybrid perspective, though it leans more heavily towards positivism by giving space to structural explanations.
Critical Evaluation and Implications
The Guardian article’s partial alignment with positivist criminology is significant, as it challenges the simplistic notion of crime as a product of individual choice, a narrative often perpetuated in sensationalist media. By highlighting socioeconomic factors, it encourages readers to consider the broader context in which knife crime occurs, potentially fostering support for policies aimed at social reform rather than solely punitive measures. However, this approach is not without limitations. The article does not critically evaluate the effectiveness of proposed interventions, such as whether increased sentencing truly deters crime—a point of contention in criminological research (Nagin, 2013). Furthermore, it risks oversimplifying complex issues by presenting deprivation as a direct cause of crime, without exploring intervening variables like peer influence or psychological factors.
From a classical standpoint, the focus on tougher penalties may resonate with public demands for immediate action but overlooks evidence suggesting that harsher punishments do not necessarily reduce crime rates (Nagin, 2013). This framing could perpetuate a cycle of retribution rather than resolution, ignoring the deeper structural issues raised in the article. Therefore, while the piece offers a nuanced depiction, its lack of critical depth—perhaps due to the constraints of journalistic brevity—limits its ability to fully engage with criminological debates.
The broader implication for criminology is that media representations shape public and political discourse on crime. A predominantly classical portrayal may reinforce calls for punitive policies, whereas a positivist framing, as seen here, could advocate for preventive strategies. However, the hybrid nature of this article risks diluting its impact, as neither perspective is fully developed. This reflects a wider challenge in media reporting: balancing accessibility with complexity when discussing multifaceted issues like crime.
Conclusion
In summary, the analysis of The Guardian’s article on knife crime in England and Wales reveals a portrayal that incorporates elements of both classical and positivist criminological perspectives, with a stronger inclination towards the latter. While the emphasis on punitive measures reflects classical notions of deterrence and rational choice, the attention to socioeconomic factors aligns with positivist ideas of determinism and the need for social intervention. This hybrid approach, though somewhat limited in critical depth, highlights the complexity of crime as a social issue, encouraging a more informed public discourse. For criminology, such media representations underscore the importance of critically engaging with popular narratives to challenge oversimplifications and advocate for evidence-based responses. Future research might explore how varying media outlets frame similar crimes differently, further illuminating the interplay between theory, representation, and policy. Ultimately, this analysis demonstrates that media is not merely a reflector of crime but an active participant in shaping how society understands and addresses it.
References
- Akers, R.L. and Sellers, C.S. (2013) Criminological Theories: Introduction, Evaluation, and Application. 6th ed. Oxford University Press.
- Hillyard, P. and Tombs, S. (2004) Beyond Criminology: Taking Harm Seriously. Pluto Press.
- Nagin, D.S. (2013) Deterrence in the Twenty-First Century. Crime and Justice, 42(1), pp. 199-263.
- Syal, R. (2023) Knife Crime in England and Wales Remains High Despite Government Pledges. The Guardian.
- Vold, G.B., Bernard, T.J. and Snipes, J.B. (2002) Theoretical Criminology. 5th ed. Oxford University Press.
