Introduction
This essay explores the phenomenon of ‘Missing White Woman Syndrome’ (MWWS) within the field of criminology, focusing on how emotional resonance contributes to agenda setting in media and public discourse. MWWS refers to the disproportionate media coverage and public attention given to cases involving missing or endangered white women, often overshadowing similar cases involving individuals from marginalised groups. The purpose of this essay is to examine how emotional narratives in such cases influence public and policy agendas, perpetuating systemic biases. Key points include the role of media framing, the emotional appeal of certain victim profiles, and the broader implications for criminal justice equity. By drawing on academic sources, this analysis aims to provide a sound understanding of these dynamics, albeit with limited critical depth as befits a foundational exploration.
Media Framing and Agenda Setting
Agenda setting theory posits that media coverage shapes public perception by prioritising specific issues over others (McCombs and Shaw, 1972). In the context of MWWS, media outlets often select cases involving young, white, middle-class women, framing them as tragic and urgent. This selective focus is not random; it aligns with societal biases that view such victims as more relatable or ‘innocent’ to a predominantly white, mainstream audience. For instance, cases like that of Madeleine McCann in 2007 garnered extensive international coverage, arguably due to her demographic profile and the emotional narrative of a helpless child (Jewkes, 2015). Such framing elevates these cases on the public agenda, influencing not only awareness but also resource allocation in policing and investigations. While this highlights media power in setting agendas, it also reveals a limitation: the neglect of non-white or less ‘marketable’ victims, which reinforces racial and class disparities.
Emotional Resonance as a Driving Force
Emotional resonance plays a pivotal role in sustaining public interest in MWWS cases. Media narratives often employ emotive language and imagery—such as family appeals or personal stories—that evoke sympathy and fear (Ross, 2010). This emotional connection transforms individual cases into broader social concerns, prompting public outcry and, frequently, policy responses. However, this resonance is rarely universal; studies suggest that audiences are less likely to emotionally engage with cases involving minority victims due to ingrained stereotypes or lack of representation (Sommers, 2016). Therefore, emotional appeal becomes a selective tool, amplifying certain stories while silencing others. This dynamic, while powerful, raises questions about the fairness of media-driven emotional agendas in criminology.
Implications for Criminal Justice Equity
The agenda-setting power of MWWS, fuelled by emotional resonance, has tangible consequences for criminal justice. Increased attention to specific cases can pressure law enforcement to prioritise resources, sometimes at the expense of less publicised investigations (Jewkes, 2015). Furthermore, it perpetuates a narrative that only certain victims are worthy of concern, undermining trust in justice systems among minority communities. Indeed, this selective empathy can distort policy-making, as legislators may respond to high-profile cases with reactive laws that do not address systemic issues. While this essay acknowledges the media’s ability to raise awareness, it also recognises the limitation of such awareness being so narrowly focused.
Conclusion
In summary, Missing White Woman Syndrome illustrates how emotional resonance in media coverage drives agenda setting, shaping public and institutional responses to crime. Through selective framing and emotive storytelling, certain cases dominate discourse, often reflecting societal biases rather than equitable concern. The implications for criminal justice are significant, as resource allocation and policy can become skewed, neglecting marginalised victims. This analysis, while broad, highlights the need for greater critical engagement with media practices to ensure a more balanced approach to victimhood narratives. Addressing these disparities remains a complex challenge, requiring both public awareness and systemic reform to mitigate the limitations of emotionally driven agendas.
References
- Jewkes, Y. (2015) Media and Crime. 3rd ed. London: SAGE Publications.
- McCombs, M. E. and Shaw, D. L. (1972) The Agenda-Setting Function of Mass Media. Public Opinion Quarterly, 36(2), pp. 176-187.
- Ross, K. (2010) Gendered Media: Women, Men, and Identity Politics. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield.
- 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, 44, pp. 118-127.
