Loading…
GCSE Sociology · key term
A process in which public and media reactions to deviance encourage further deviant behaviour.
Used by AQA and Eduqas
Paper 1, Paper 2
Revise: Crime and deviance key termsDeviancy amplification goes further: reactions help produce more deviance. Cohen argued that publicity, public hostility and harsher policing could contribute to further confrontations and arrests, reinforcing the original threatening image.
Component 2
A process in which reactions intended to control deviance contribute to further deviance, reinforcing the original concern.
Keep media amplification distinct from deviancy amplification: greater publicity does not by itself prove that more deviance has occurred.
Create a free account to keep every note you open and track your progress.
Cohen argued that these reactions could contribute to deviancy amplification. Increased attention and hostile labelling could encourage further deviant behaviour, while stronger policing could produce more arrests. Further incidents and arrests then appeared to confirm the original image of dangerous young people, encouraging another round of alarming coverage.
